Yellow Brain Fungus – Nr. Woodhouse Eaves, Charnwood, Leicestershire

It’s called ‘yellow’ brain fungus but in fact it can vary from a light yellow to as here in Charnwood, on a tree not far from The Outwoods, bright orange.

It features in folklore as the mark of a witch’s curse, particularly when found on a door or window frame. This I said to show that a curse had been placed on the house. To get rid of the curse the fungus has to be pricked with a needle repeatedly day after day until it dies away.

You could of course, if brave enough, add it to a soup and digest the curse. It is totally edible.

tidying up—
the musky scent of
a mushroom basket

Paul Conneally
Jan 17th 2021