Mushroom Type Edible  
    
Common Name 2 Wood Cauliflower 
Common Name 3 Brain Fungus 
Latin Name Sparassis crispa 
    

    
Maximum height (CM) 25 
Maximum width (CM) 25 
    
Smell Pleasant, slightly sweet. 
Gills There are no gills, this mushroom has flattened lobes with tiny pores. 
Spore Print Colourless unless in large amounts when they appear pale yellow. Subglobose to broadly ellipsoid or ovate. 
Stem Can have a slight rooting stem. 
Cap All the visible parts above ground are fattened lobes looking similar to a sea sponge, brain or cauliflower. Can be light brown, buff to yellow/grey to creamy white. 
Flesh Off-white in the middle darkening towards the edges. 
Habitat On the roots of conifers especially pine but can be found at the base of trunks or stumps. 
Taste Tasty when young and fresh but needing a good wash and inspection before cooking and eating. 
Possible Confusion You are unlikely to confuse this species with anyth