Meripilus giganteus

Meripilus giganteus is a polypore fungus in the family Meripilaceae. It causes a white rot in various types of broadleaved trees, particularly beech (Fagus), but also Abies, Picea, Pinus, Quercus and Ulmus species. This bracket fungus, commonly known as the giant polypore or black-staining polypore, is often found in large clumps at the base of trees, although fruiting bodies are sometimes found some distance away from the trunk, parasitizing the roots. M. giganteus has a circumboreal distribution in the northern Hemisphere, and is widely distributed in Europe. In the field, it is recognizable by the large, multi-capped fruiting body, as well as its pore surface that quickly darkens black when bruised or injured.

Meripilus giganteus
Scientific classification
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M. giganteus
Binomial name
Meripilus giganteus
(Pers.) Karst. (1882)
Synonyms
  • Boletus giganteus Pers. (1794)
Meripilus giganteus
Pores on hymenium
Cap is offset or indistinct
Hymenium is decurrent
Lacks a stipe
Spore print is white
Ecology is saprotrophic
Edibility is edible
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