Cauliflower Fungus

cauliflower fungus (or cauliflower mushroom), Sparassis crispa, which bears some resemblance to the white part of a cauliflower, or to a large sponge, measures up to 60 cm (2') across, and grows on rotting conifer stumps in the autumn, mainly in Europe and N. America. It should be picked and cooked young, while still pale cream in colour, or dried and used for its attractive, faintly nutty flavour.

The French reserve the name clavaire chou-fleur (cauliflower) for Ramaria botrytis: see coral fungus.