Oak Mazegill - Daedalea quercina

Flat, fan-shaped fruiting bodies with amazingly intricate maze-like pores that were very deep, thick, and fuzzy. Sizes ranged from 5-10 cm wide.

Habitat: Growing on rotting wood in a mixed forest.

The fruiting bodies of Daedalea quercina have some unusual uses. They can be used as a natural comb, especially for brushing horses with sensitive skin. In addition, the smoldering fruiting bodies may be used to anesthetize bees. This species has also been investigated for bioremediation, and for medicinal purposes.

comments (3)

Patomarazul

Lion

No wonder about the name: very appropriate! :-) Posted 2 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, I was about to comment on how it made me think of a maze puzzle and only then read the name. Posted 2 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Definitely an appropriate name. You can't tell from this photo very well, but the gills are really deep. Posted 2 years ago

The Oak mazegill

''Daedalea quercina'' is a species of mushroom in the order Polyporales, and the type species of the genus ''Daedalea''. Commonly known as the oak mazegill or maze-gill fungus, the specific epithet refers to the oak genus ''Quercus'', upon which it frequently grows, causing a brown rot. It is found in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and Australasia. Though inedible, it can be used as a natural comb and has been the subject of chemical research.

Info 12 0

Similar species: Polyporales

Species identified by Christine Young