Gymnopilus junonius, Bernard Spragg Photo

Gymnopilus junonius is a large and colourful wood-rotting species that occurs in small groups at the bases of dead broad-leaf trees and occasionally conifers from spring through to early winter. When seen in full sunlight, this mushroom deserves the name 'Spectacular'. The cap colour is very variable - sometimes beautiful gold colour, while at other times the dominant colour is deep orange