Cauliflower Fungus

Cauliflower Fungus Sparassis crispa (Wulfen) Fr. (illustrated (a) 45% life size) Fruit body 20–50cm across, subglobose, cauliflower-like, with numerous flattened, crisped lobes on a short, thick, rooting stem; pale ochraceous to buff, darkening with age. Flesh smell sweetish, pleasant. Spores 5–7×4–5¼, pip-shaped; whitish to pale yellow. Habitat with coniferous trees; autumn. Frequent. Edible when young and fresh if thoroughly cleaned.