Laura Smith
Some mushrooms have teeth, which are spine-like projections that hang from the undersurface of the fruit bodies. These teeth can be crowded together, with typically three to five teeth per square millimetre. They can vary in length, ranging from 1 millimetre to 2 centimetres. Mushrooms with teeth are known as toothed fungi and include species such as Hydnellum peckii, commonly known as the bleeding tooth fungus, and Climacodon septentrionale, also called the northern tooth. These mushrooms are found in various parts of the world, including North America and Europe, and some species are edible and prized for their unique characteristics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Strawberries and cream, the bleeding Hydnellum, the bleeding tooth fungus, the red-juice tooth, the Devil's tooth, northern tooth, hedgehog mushroom, ear-spoon fungus, pinecone mushroom, pinecone tooth, bearded hedgehog, lion's mane, old-man's-beard, satyr's-beard, orange spine, orange rough-cap tooth, blue-gray Hydnellum, blue spine, blue tooth, bluish tooth, ear-pick |
| Scientific name | Hydnellum Peckii, Climacodon septentrionale, Hydnum repandum, Hericium americanum, Hericium coralloides, Hericium abietis, Auriscalpium vulgare, Echinodontium tinctorium, Pseudohydnum gelatinosum, Hydnum umbilicatum, Hydnum olympicum, Hydnum washingtonianum, Hydnum jussii, Hydnum melleopallidum |
| Cap colour | White, brown, reddish-brown, lilac, purplish-brown, orange, pinkish-white, grey, bluish-grey, yellow |
| Teeth colour | White, grey, bluish-grey, yellow |
| Teeth size | 5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 5mm, 1cm |
| Stem colour | Brownish-purple, white |
| Stem size | Thick, very short, up to 5cm |
| Distribution | North America, Europe, Asia, Iran, Korea |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms with teeth are known as toothed fungi
Mushrooms with teeth, also known as toothed fungi, encompass various species with unique characteristics. One notable example is the Hydnellum peckii, commonly known as the bleeding tooth fungus or the Devil's tooth. This fungus belongs to the Hydnellum genus and the Bankeraceae family. Young Hydnellum peckii fruit bodies exhibit a distinctive appearance, earning them whimsical common names such as strawberries and cream and the bleeding Hydnellum. The fruit bodies typically feature a funnel-shaped cap with a white edge, although their shape can be highly variable. One of their most intriguing traits is the ability to “bleed” bright red guttation droplets when young and moist.
Another fascinating species of toothed fungi is the Climacodon septentrionale, commonly known as the northern tooth. This mushroom is often found high on the trunks of sugar maples or American beech trees. At first glance, it may resemble a polypore, but a closer inspection reveals a dense layer of downward-pointing teeth or spines on its underside. The northern tooth forms overlapping shelves and can be detrimental to the heartwood of trees.
The Auriscalpium vulgare, or ear-pick fungus, is a small, dark brown, and hairy fungus. It is related to various gilled and spine fungi and is commonly found on Douglas-fir cones in the Pacific Northwest. This species is widespread in North America, Europe, and temperate Asia.
Additionally, the Hydnum genus includes soft and edible mushrooms with white to pale orange caps and stems. They are related to the chanterelle and produce white spores. Within this genus, the H. repandum, or hedgehog mushroom, is a distinct and edible species with delicate spines on its underside.
Toothed fungi play an essential ecological role and are currently undergoing detailed molecular phylogenetic studies to further our understanding of their evolutionary development and DNA characteristics.
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Examples include Hydnellum peckii, also known as the Devil's tooth
H. peckii is a mycorrhizal fungus, meaning it establishes a mutualistic relationship with the roots of certain trees. The fungus exchanges minerals and amino acids extracted from the soil for fixed carbon from the host. The subterranean hyphae of the fungus grow a sheath of tissue around the rootlets of a broad range of tree species, in an intimate association that is especially beneficial to the host. The ectomycorrhizal structures of H. peckii are characterised by a plectenchymatous mantle—a layer of tissue made of hyphae tightly arranged in parallel, rarely branching or overlapping.
H. peckii is found in forested, often mountainous, areas in North America, Europe, Iran, and South Korea. The species is widespread in Europe, with its presence documented in Italy, Germany, Scotland, and elsewhere. However, it is becoming increasingly rare in several European countries, such as Norway, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, due to increased pollution.
H. peckii is not known to be poisonous, but it is not particularly edible due to its foul taste, which has been described as "mild to disagreeable". The fruit bodies of this species are valued by mushroom dyers, as they can produce a range of colours depending on the mordant added, from beige to various shades of blue or green. Additionally, screening of an extract of H. peckii revealed the presence of an effective anticoagulant, atromentin, which also possesses antibacterial activity.
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Teeth can be found on the underside of the cap
Some mushrooms have teeth, which are the spore-bearing surface on the underside of the cap that look like spines or small icicles. These teeth are found in five genera of fungi in Door County. The teeth are crowded together, with typically between three and five teeth per square millimetre. They are initially pinkish-white, but as they mature, they turn grey-brown.
The length of the teeth varies from one type of mushroom to another. For example, the teeth of the Hydnellum peckii are about 5 mm long, while those of Mucronella are usually less than 1 cm long. The length of the teeth in the H. umbilicatum group is typically less than 5 cm, whereas the teeth of H. olympicum can be up to 15 cm or more.
The shape of the teeth also differs between species. For instance, the teeth of the second species of the Hericium genus are shorter and grow in rounded clusters, resembling cauliflower. The third species, also known as comb tooth, has delicate branching and shorter spines.
The colour of the teeth can vary too. While the teeth of the Hydnellum peckii are pinkish-white initially, the teeth of the Hydnellum genus are white. The teeth of the Mucronella are usually white, but M. 'pulchra' has yellow teeth.
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They are not always safe to eat
Mushroom teeth are not just a fascinating feature of certain fungi but also a potential source of danger for those who enjoy foraging and consuming wild mushrooms. While most mushrooms are safe to eat, it is important to remember that some varieties can be toxic or contain harmful compounds.
The presence of mushroom teeth, or hymenophore dentation, is one indicator of the potential toxicity of a mushroom. These teeth are sharp, spine-like structures found on the underside of the mushroom cap, and they serve an important ecological purpose. In nature, mushroom teeth help the fungus break down and absorb nutrients from decaying matter. However, when it comes to human consumption, these teeth can be a red flag. Some mushrooms with well-defined teeth are known to contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress, hallucinations, or even organ failure if consumed in significant quantities.
It is crucial to approach wild mushrooms with caution, even those with distinctive features like teeth. Proper identification is key to avoiding potential hazards. There are safe and edible varieties with teeth, such as the popular Lion's Mane mushroom, but misidentification can have serious consequences. Some toxic look-alikes may cause severe symptoms, and in some cases, mushroom poisoning can even be fatal. It is always advisable to seek expert guidance or, at the very least, thoroughly research a mushroom before consuming it. Additionally, proper preparation methods, such as thorough cooking, can help mitigate certain toxins present in some mushrooms.
While mushroom hunting can be a rewarding and exciting activity, foragers must exercise caution and be mindful of the potential risks. It is a responsibility to correctly identify mushrooms and understand their safety profiles before consuming them. By taking the necessary precautions, foragers can minimize the chances of adverse effects and safely enjoy the unique culinary and health benefits that wild mushrooms have to offer. In conclusion, mushroom teeth are a fascinating aspect of fungal biology, but they also serve as a reminder that not all mushrooms are safe for human consumption.
- Properly identify mushrooms: Accurate identification is crucial to avoid toxic varieties. Use reliable field guides, seek expert advice, and consider joining mushroom foraging groups or communities to cross-reference your findings.
- Understand toxicity and symptoms: Educate yourself about the different types of mushroom toxins and their effects on the human body. Know the symptoms of mushroom poisoning and seek medical help immediately if you experience any adverse effects after consuming wild mushrooms.
- Focus on safe species: Start by familiarizing yourself with a small number of well-known, safe mushroom species. Build your knowledge gradually and avoid risking unfamiliar mushrooms until you are confident in your identification skills.
- Proper preparation and cooking: Appropriate preparation techniques, such as thorough cooking, can reduce certain toxins in some mushroom species. Always cook wild mushrooms thoroughly before consuming them.
- Location and habitat awareness: Take note of the location and habitat where you find mushrooms. Some toxic mushrooms thrive in specific environments, so knowing the typical habitats of safe and toxic varieties can provide additional clues for identification.
By following these precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with wild mushroom foraging and safely enjoy this fascinating and tasty hobby.
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Teeth can also be found on the underside of polypore mushrooms
The term "mushroom teeth" refers to the spore-bearing surface on the underside of certain mushrooms that resemble teeth or spines. These teeth can be found on various species of fungi, including those from the genera Phellodon, Hydnellum, Hericium, and Auriscalpium.
One example of a mushroom with teeth is the Hydnellum peckii, commonly known as the bleeding tooth fungus or the Devil's tooth. Young, moist fruit bodies of this fungus can bleed bright red guttation droplets, giving it its distinctive appearance. The teeth on the underside of the cap are initially pinkish-white, aging to a grayish-brown color.
Another species with teeth is the Climacodon septentrionale, commonly known as the northern tooth. This mushroom often forms high on the trunks of sugar maples or American beech trees. While it may initially resemble a polypore, a closer examination reveals a dense layer of downward-pointing teeth or spines on its underside.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms with teeth are edible. While some species like the Hydnum and Hericium erinaceus (also known as lion's mane) are edible, others like the Phellodon and Hydnellum are described as tough and woody. Additionally, the fruit bodies of Hydnellum species are prized by mushroom dyers for their range of colors, from beige to various shades of blue or green depending on the mordant used.
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Frequently asked questions
Some mushrooms have teeth or spines on the underside of their caps. These teeth are the spore-bearing surface of the mushroom.
The teeth of mushrooms can look like spines or small icicles. They can vary in length from less than 1 cm to up to 5 cm. The teeth are typically crowded together, with around three to five teeth per square millimeter.
Mushroom teeth can be found in various locations, including on the ground under conifer trees, on Douglas-fir cones, and on the trunks of sugar maples or American beech trees. They are commonly found in North America and Europe, but have also been discovered in Iran and Korea.
Some species of mushrooms with teeth are edible, such as the hedgehog mushroom and the Hericium species. However, it is important to properly identify the mushroom before consuming it, as some mushrooms with teeth may be bitter or even toxic.
