Photo Uploaded: Aug 20 2011 13:46:21 GMT Taken: 2011:08:19 18:59:10 Manufacturer: SONY Camera: DSC-HX100V Aperture: F3.5 Shutter: 1/50 sec ISO: 250 Flash: No (Auto)
Close-up of one of the Meripili gigantei (Giant polypore or Black-staining polypore) from the picture at the right
Netherlands, Bussum, Spanderswoud, Aug. 2011
Soumen at the site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meripilus_giganteus it is said that the basidiocarps consist of numerous rosette-like flattened fan-shaped pilei; they are typically 30–80 centimetres (12–31 in) in diameter and 20–30 centimetres (7.9–12 in) high. The individual caps, up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) diameter and 1–2 centimetres (0.39–0.79 in) thick, arise from a common basal stem.
Larry, according to my guide the young ones (like these) are edible, but very soon the flesh becomes ropy. But it would be a pitty to remove these fungi for consumption, it is such a spectacular view!