Giant Polypore - Meripilus giganteus

A large to very large annual polypore that forms a cluster of smaller caps arising from a common basal stem. The colour of the cap surface is pale tan to dull chestnut brown in young specimens but darkens with age to show concentric zones of various shades of brown.  Pores are rounded and 3 - 5 per mm.

Photograph whole polypore cluster in habitat, photogrpah fertile surface; note host plant and substrate

At the base of deciduous trees, almost always Beech

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.