Schizophyllum commune (splitgills)
In the scarcity of late autumn and winter mushrooms, I really like these pretty fungi. You’ll see them in different places - both more normal locations like on dead wood, as well as frequently on rotting hay and straw bales.
They’re very resilient- able to cope with various conditions which is why they’re easily spotted in winter, and are a fungi that grow worldwide (many other fungi are regionally restricted).
Appearance wise they’re fairly distinctive- forming groups with hairy upper surfaces with white-beige-purple tones (green too with algae formation) and dull pink gills that split (along the gill itself). Not much of a stipe can be found.
My favourite fact about these is that they’ve been found capable of colonising humans. Yes, really. It’s been found in the respiratory system of people before. Thankfully though, this is very rare, so no need to be alarmed - afaik the cases have been restricted to immunocompromised people (don’t go inhaling large amounts of spores regardless, mind!).
Not one often consumed in the west, but S commune is an edible fungi more often eaten abroad in South America and Asia. I’ve not come across much to be worth trying it before, but this fruiting had enough younger ones that I could (they’re fairly tough, so the younger the better). They have a very nice and strong mushroom flavour, whilst retaining their tougher texture which I quite liked to give it some ‘bite’. Would probably make a really good powder too.
