Wood Cauliflower

Habitat

Mainly found at the base of coniferous trees, particularly pine, where it grows from the roots. It functions first as a parasite, causing brown cubical rot, and continues to grow as a saprobe after the host tree has died. It typically grows solitarily on the ground.

Photos

Appearance

Fruit body

Large, cauliflower-like mass measuring 10 to 40 cm across, composed of numerous flattened, wavy, and tightly packed leaf-like branches with curled tips. Color ranges from white-cream to ochre, turning yellow-brown as it matures.

Stem

Thick and robust, though typically very short and hidden beneath the mass of branches.

Spore-bearing surface

The surface of the fronds is smooth and ochraceous.

Flesh

Ochre-colored, tough, and elastic in texture.

Spore print

White to cream.

Edibility

This mushroom has a pleasant, mild flavour and earthy smell, though it may taste slightly bitter when raw. It is similar to the edible Sparassis spathulata, which grows with deciduous trees, and certain large coral fungi that are not seriously toxic but may be bitter. Due to its complex structure, it requires thorough cleaning and drying to remove insects and debris hidden within the folds.

Nutrient Source

It breaks down dead or decaying wood and other organic matter from trees. It can also act as a weak parasite on living trees, particularly conifers, by causing brown heart rot.

Common Names

Basque

azalore belaki

Catalan

peu de rata reina

Danish

Kruset blomkålssvamp

Dutch

Grote sponszwam

English

Wood Cauliflower, Brain Fungus, Cauliflower Fungus

Finnish

kurttusieni

French

Sparassis crépu

German

Krause Glucke

Norwegian Bokmål

blomkålsopp

Norwegian Nynorsk

blomkålsopp

Spanish

setaliflor, clavaria rizada

Swedish

blomkålssvamp

Ukrainian

Листочня кучерява

Welsh

Pengrych

Synonyms

• Clavaria crispa
• Clavaria crispa
• Elvela ramosa
• Elvella ramosa
• Helvella ramosa
• Manina crispa
• Masseeola crispa
• Merisma crispum
• Sparassis ramosa