Meripilus giganteus
Synonyme: Boletus giganteus.
English: Giant polypore; Black-staining polypore.
German: Riesenporling.
Region: northern Hemisphere, Europe.
Habitat: grows on deciduous trees, beech, oak.
Mycology
Meripilus giganteus is a bracket fungus. It is a giant polypore or black-staining polypore. It has a large, multi-capped fruiting body. Its pore surface quickly darkens black when bruised or injured. It is often found in large clumps at the base of trees, parasitizing the roots. It causes a white rot in various types of broadleaved trees, particularly beech, Fagus, but also Abies, Picea, Pinus, Quercus and Ulmus species.