It looks like meat to those who see it in the forest: The image that appears when cut is surprising.

The liver mushroom, which grows in Ukrainian forests and looks like a piece of raw meat, is attracting the attention of nature enthusiasts. Its scientific name isFistulina hepaticaThe mushroom, especially when cut, surprises observers with the red liquid it releases.

It looks like a steak.

The liver mushroom has a structure quite unlike that of typical mushrooms. Its color ranges from deep red to orange-brown, and its fleshy texture can make it be mistaken for a real piece of meat when viewed from a distance.

"Steak mushroom" also known by that name, the species' cap can grow up to about 30 centimeters under suitable conditions. The mushroom, which generally has a shape reminiscent of a rainbow, becomes darker in color as it ages.

Red liquid is released when cut

One of the most intriguing features of this mushroom is the image that appears when it is cut

When sliced with a knife, veins resembling meat tissue appear inside, while a red liquid seeps from its surface; this feature is also one of the main reasons the liver mushroom is called the “steak mushroom”

The resulting image can make first‑time observers feel as if they are staring at a piece of meat

It grows on the trunks of old trees

The liver mushroom is not found on every tree or in every region; it typically develops on the lower trunks, cracks, and butt ends of old oak and maple trees

A parasitic mushroom speciesFistulina hepatica, affecting the wood structure of the tree it colonizes and over time causing a brown structure to form.

Appears in Moist Conditions

The species is particularly noticeable in periods of higher moisture levels. In Ukraine's forested areas, the likelihood of encountering the liver mushroom increases between August and October.

With its meat-like appearance, red fluid, and the striking image it creates on tree trunks, the liver mushroom stands out as one of the most fascinating fungi in nature.