what's this fungus?

[Dave Budd]

On my way out of the woods this afternoon I spotted a whopping great fungus on the side of an oak tree. I can't find it in my books, so I wonder if anybody can ID it for me?

It's about 2 feet up on the side of a mature Oak tree. the fungus itself is in three slabs, the largest measuring about 20"x10" and 3" thick. The Dusty spores on the top are rusty orange-brown and the body is a cream/buff white. When I sliced into it the first 1/4" or so is the same cream colour and then the middle is a more beef-like reddish brown, with lots of moisture (clear) coming out of it.

I came across a small picture in one book that said it was Chicken of the woods, but the other pictures I have of that variety look nothing like it!

If this turns out to edible and I've been enlightened by the time I leave the house tomorrow morning, then I'll bring a lump or two with me to the moot for people to try

 

[JonathanD]

Definately not chicken of the woods. That is some fat bulgy bracket fungus type stuff though.

 

[Biker]

I've seen chicken in thre woods and what I saw looked more orangey than that.

Disgusting whatever it is I'm sitting here with a sneer on my face looking at it. Yes i'm a wus.

 

[poddle]

Cheeky too Dave, that bottom left one is poking his tongue out

 

[The Joker]

I think it is Oak Mazegill which is inedible and one that is similar Artists Bracket but thats mainly found on Beeches.

 

[SOAR]

Looks like Ganoderma resinaceum.

 

[addo]

Looks like Ganoderma resinaceum.

I agree, Ganodermas love their Oaks

 

[Barn Owl]

Is there an English name?

 

[The Joker]

Is there an English name?

Pretty sure its English name is what I said earlier Oak Mazegill.

 

[Dave Budd]

that looks like the one. Shame it's inedible, it's enormous and would've been good to bring to the moot and share oh well.

Thanks for your help guys