BERKELEY’S POLYPORE, one of the largest edible mushrooms in North America, is both a prized wild food and a silent tree killer. Known scientifically as Bondarzewia berkeleyi, this massive forest fungus can weigh over 50 pounds — but beneath its beauty lies a powerful wood-decaying force.

In this deep investigative episode, we explore the biology, ecology, and hidden impact of this giant polypore mushroom. How does it infect trees? Why does it cause root rot? Is it truly edible — and when is it safe to harvest?

From hardwood forests to backyard oaks, we uncover how this fungus spreads, how foragers identify it, and what it reveals about forest ecosystems and fungal intelligence.

If you’re into wild mushroom foraging, forest pathology, or extreme natural organisms, this episode will change how you see the ground beneath your feet.

Timestamps:

00:00 The Giant at the Base of the Tree

02:41 What Is Berkeley’s Polypore?

05:58 Bondarzewia berkeleyi: Scientific Breakdown

09:14 How It Infects and Kills Trees

12:36 Root Rot and Forest Impact

15:48 Is It Really Edible? Foraging Risks

19:02 How to Identify It in the Wild

22:17 Look-Alikes and Misidentification

25:03 Ecological Role in Hardwood Forests

27:44 What This Mushroom Reveals About Fungal Networks

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