FRUIT BODY: Up to 30cm across.  This impressive fungus usually grows in a globular form and has many spines falling downwards from the same spot giving the appearance of a shaggy mop-head. Each spine can be up to 5cm in length and is creamy white in colour becoming brown towards to tip. The whole fruit body is attached to the host by a very short stipe. Fruitbodies can persist in one spot for several years.  GILLS/PORES: N/A. FLESH: Flexible, soft and with no distinct odour . SPORES: The white spores are broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose, smooth or with a very slightly roughened surface, 5-6 x 4-5.5µm; amyloid. HABITAT: Fruits on hardwood trees, primarily Beech and Oak. SEASON: Scarce.  July to November. EDIBILITY: Edible.