grifola frondosa

 Grifola  frondosa This  fungus forms  large fan-shaped mushroom  heads  that  often fuse  together in  masses at  the base  or  on the roots  of  broadleaf  trees.   It can invade the core  of the tree as  a  parasite  causing  extensive decay.  It is  often called ‘Hen of  the  Woods’ or  ‘Sheep’s Head’ while  it is more  often  called  in  Japan, Maitake,  which  mean   ‘dancing  nymph’.