Beefsteak Fungus - Fistulina hepatica

A large annual bracket, tongue -shaped, and is pinkish-red to reddish-brown.  The flesh is initially whitish yellow, but becomes reddish or pinkish aas it matures, exuding a red juice when bruised.  The pores are yellowish to pinkish and are formed as free tubes not connected to each other - a unique character in UK fungi.

Photograph upper and lower fertile surface to show pores; note host plant and substrate

Usually occurs low on the trunks of trees - most commonly Oak and Sweet Chestnuts.

July to November.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Despite its polypore form, this species is more closely related to the agarics.  Cuurnetly (2026) it is not assigned to a specific family, but we have retained its previus family