Meripilus giganteus is a
polyporefungus in the family
Meripilaceae. It causes a
white rot in various types of broadleaved trees, particularly
beech. This
bracket fungus is often found in large clumps at the base of trees, although
fruiting bodies are sometimes found some distance from the trunk, parasitizing the roots. M. giganteus has a
circumboreal distribution in the
Northern Hemisphere, and is widely distributed in Europe. In the field, it is recognizable by the large, multi-capped fruiting body, as well as its pore surface that quickly darkens black when bruised or injured.Photograph:
Michael Gäbler
Meripilus giganteus is a
polyporefungus in the family
Meripilaceae. It causes a
white rot in various types of broadleaved trees, particularly
beech. This
bracket fungus is often found in large clumps at the base of trees, although
fruiting bodies are sometimes found some distance from the trunk, parasitizing the roots. M. giganteus has a
circumboreal distribution in the
Northern Hemisphere, and is widely distributed in Europe. In the field, it is recognizable by the large, multi-capped fruiting body, as well as its pore surface that quickly darkens black when bruised or injured.Photograph:
Michael Gäbler