Giant Polypore

Giant Polypore - Meripilus giganteus

Description

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.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

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

Habitat

At the base of deciduous trees, almost always Beech

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records