Fomitopsis quercina is a species of
mushroom in the order
Polyporales. Commonly known as the oak mazegill, among other names, its
specific epithet refers to the
oak genus
Quercus, upon which it frequently grows, causing a
brown rot. It is found in most of Europe, following the pattern of oak distribution, and has also been reported in northern Africa, North America, Asia and Australia. The mushroom features
pores which form a maze-like appearance. Though inedible, it can be used as a natural comb and has been the subject of chemical research. This
F. quercina mushroom was photographed growing on a tree branch at De Famberhorst, a nature reserve in the town of
Joure in
Friesland, Netherlands. The photograph was
focus-stacked from 21 separate images.
Photograph credit: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
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