Difference between Merismilus and Grifola

[KeenTeen17]

Hi could anyone tell me the difference between merismilus giganteus (giant polypore) and grifola frondosa (hen of the woods) in the Gallery they look similar but have different latin names.

[cybershot]

Differentiating between these two species isn't always as straight forward as it may seem, especially when they are around the same size and maturity (Except unless the Meripilus giganteus is about three feet across all round the base of a big beech! )

The pores of the Giant Polypore tend to blacken in older specimens or when bruised, and always have a paler edge to their yellow-brown to dark brown lobes. Hen of the Woods is more greyish-brown and is more likely to be on oak.

Hope this helps KT.

David

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

Hi could anyone tell me the difference between merismilus giganteus (giant polypore) and grifola frondosa (hen of the woods) in the Gallery they look similar but have different latin names.

Hi KT

Grifola frondosa grows in clumps from a common repeatedly branching stem, creating the appearance of an irregular rosette.

Meripilus Giganteus whilst similar, grows from a single short stem, has a regular rosette form and turns a darker colour when bruised.

John