Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) ex Fr. Syst. Mycol. 1: 396 (1821)

Image © Erich & Elsbeth Sacco Reproduced by permission Common Name: Beefsteak Fungus

The Beefsteak Fungus is aptly named. It resembles a piece of meat when fresh, and exudes a reddish liquid when cut. It is often seen growing from wounds on dead trees, and is somewhat slippery when wet.

• Fruit Body

  Up to 250mm wide, with an attachment to 50mm wide, mostly semicircular, bright pinkish-red when young, becoming browner with age. Surface roughened, slightly slippery when wet. The flesh is streaky, exuding a red liquid when cut.

• Tubes

  Separate from each other, pores small and round. It helps to see these features through a 10x lens. Colour similar to the cap.

• Stipe/stem

  When present - short, laterally attached.

• Spores

  Spore print light brown.

• Habitat

  On living and dead wood. It can be seen growing from wounds on living eucalypt trees.

• References

  Bougher, N & Syme, K. Fungi of Southern Australia, pp. 318-319

  Fuhrer, B. Field Companion to Australian Fungi p.

Distribution map

Last modified on 28 May 2001

Maintained by Mike McBain

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