Bracket Fungus.

 

                                             

 

Dryad's Saddle. Photo. John Elliott. Click to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

                                    

        Wandering through Grove Hill Bottom wood this afternoon this large bracket fungus on a dead ash tree caught my eye. It is a Dryad's Saddle, Poloporus squamosus. One of the largest polypores with a cap which can measure 50 cms across, this one was only about 18 cms. This fungus is classed as 'inedible',  as are most of the bracket fungi. (Ihe Beefsteak Fungus, Fistulina hepatica, is said to be 'edible but not recommended.)     

Even dead ash trees have their uses.