Fistulina Hepatica

location: North America, Europe
edibility: Choice
fungus colour: Red or redish or pink
normal size: 5-15cm
cap type: Other
stem type: Lateral, rudimentary or absent
flesh: Flesh discolours when cut, bruised or damaged
spore colour: Pink
habitat: Grows on wood

Fistulina hepatica Schaeff. ex Fr. Beefsteak Fungus or Ox Tongue Langue de boeuf, Fistuline hépatique Bracket 8-25cm across, 2-6cm thick, usually single, tongue-shaped or semicircular; upper surface pinkish to orange-red and finally purple-brown; rough with rudimentary pores, especially toward the margin; moist to tacky. Tubes up to 15mm deep; arising free, but adhering in maturity; whitish or yellowish. Pores 3 per mm, circular; whitish at first, bruising reddish brown. Stem none or rudimentary; short, thick, blood red. Flesh thick, succulent; mottled, dark flesh-pink with lighter veining, with bloodlike sap; reminiscent of raw meat. Odor pleasant. Taste sourish. Spores ovoid, smooth, 4.5-6 x 3-4µ. Deposit pinkish salmon. Habitat singly or sometimes several in a cluster on the base of living oaks or chestnuts, also dead hardwood stumps. Frequent; common in the East. Common in Europe and found in North America especially eastern areas. Season July-October. Edible-good. Comment Infected oak timber has a much richer, darker color and is much sought after by furniture makers.