Podoscypha multizonata

(Berk. & Broome) Pat.

Mature fruiting bodies beneath English oak at the University of Exeter.
A half dozen fruiting bodies away from the base of English oak at the University of Exeter.
A light-coloured fruiting body at the base of English oak at Epping Forest.
Showing the pinkish pore surface with the camera flash on.
A closer look at a very dark purplish-pink fruit body at the University of Exeter under English oak.

Mature fruiting bodies beneath English oak at the University of Exeter.
A half dozen fruiting bodies away from the base of English oak at the University of Exeter.
A light-coloured fruiting body at the base of English oak at Epping Forest.
Showing the pinkish pore surface with the camera flash on.
A closer look at a very dark purplish-pink fruit body at the University of Exeter under English oak.
Senescent rosette on roots of ash at Kew Gardens, UK.
Multiple mature rosettes on roots of oak in Exeter, UK.
Senescent rosette on roots of ash at Kew Gardens, UK.

Common name

Zoned rosette.

Often found on

Beech, oak.

Sometimes found on

Other deciduous broadleaved trees.

Location

Generally located out away from the base of the tree emerging from the ground.

Description

Annual. Usually forms as a rosette consisting of numerous zoned pinkish-brown fronds but may emerge a light beige. May grow to approximately 25cm in length and is usually up to 10cm high. Often grows around grass blades. Difficult to spot in woodlands when leaf litter covers the ground.

Confused with

Podoscypha multizonata; Grifola frondosa; Meripilus giganteus.

Significance

It is suspected that this fungus may be able to act parasitically on the roots of its host, though there is a distinct lack of research to back-up this assertion. Because it is usually associated with mature and veteran trees, decay may therefore be very slow. Because of its rarity, this fungus should be protected from damage and the host conserved. Kew Gardens’ mycological department must be informed, where it is found.