beefsteak fungus

views updated May 29 2018

beefsteak fungus A common name for the fruit body of Fistulina hepatica. The flesh is red-brown with a gelatinous upper surface, and yields a reddish juice; spores are formed within tubes which open via pores on the pale underside of the fruit body. It is parasitic on trees, particularly oak. It is fairly common in late summer and autumn. See also FISTULINA.

beefsteak fungus

views updated May 29 2018

beefsteak fungus Large edible fungus (Fistulina hepatica) with a stringy, meat‐like texture and deep red juice. See mushrooms.