Stereum Ostrea

At the last count, there were at least 15,000 types of fungi in the UK, some of which could be on the edge of extinction. Stereum Ostrea, also called false turkey-tail and golden curtain crust, is a basidiomycete fungus in the genus Stereum. It is a plant pathogen and a wood decay fungus. Because it is a pathogen, Stereum Ostrea is poisonous. The name ostrea, from the word ‘oyster’, describes its shape. With concentric circles of many colors, it highly resembles Trametes versicolor, turkey-tail, and is thus called the ‘false turkey-tail’. The stemless fruiting body is shell-like and grows 1–7 cm high. It is tough and inedible. Therefore, the answers to questions like, “Is Stereum Ostrea medicinal?” or “Is Ostrea edible?” are no. It grows on tree bark. This fungus is native to North America, where it is widespread and grows all year round.