This section is a quick explanation of some of the identifying characteristics of Fistulina hepatica which falls into the taxonomic family Fistulinaceae.
As with all of these pages, they are NOT intended to be used as a key or diagnostic tool, but a guide of basic identifying characteristics so that you can make informed decisions and easy-access to other, more detailed resources.
Fistulina hepatica- The Beefsteak fungus
Looks Like Raw Beef . . . Fistulina hepatica can often be seen from a distance, the visage of a hunk of beef growing out the side of a tree. The texture is also similar to raw beef and the fruitbody is somewhat pliable separating it from tough Ganoderma species.
| A LOT Like Raw Beef When cut in half, you will find a streaked and marbled interior and the flesh will exude red liquid when squeezed, really driving home the similarities to raw meat. Photo by Vladimir Parpura |
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White Pores Fistulina hepatica have a white pore surface with an interesting characteristic, the individual 'pores' are actually individual tubes that are not fused to one another. You can easily peel them apart. | Edibility Don't confuse this "Beefsteak" with Gyromitra that also go by the common name! |
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Please remember to seek other sources for confirmation before consuming any wild mushroom
