Meripilus giganteus (giant polypore)
This fungus is commonly found at the base of the following trees:
Beech, Oak, Poplar.
It is rarely found on conifers.
Description – Overlapping fronds in clusters around the stem base. The fronds are up to 40 cm in width. The colour of the fronds are a yellow to dark reddish brown. The underside of the fronds consist of cream coloured tubes.
The fungus fruits Annually August – September
Significance – The trees roots become brittle and then later soft, causing brittle fracture of the roots close to the stem, through wind throw.