Hericium coralloides is a saprotrophic fungus, commonly known as coral tooth fungus[1] or comb coral mushroom.[2]
| Hericium coralloides | |
|---|---|
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| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Russulales |
| Family: | Hericiaceae |
| Genus: | Hericium |
| Species: | H. coralloides
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hericium coralloides (Scop.) Pers.
| |
Hericium coralloides | |
|---|---|
 | Teeth on hymenium |
 | No distinct cap |
 | Hymenium attachment is not applicable |
| Lacks a stipe |
 | Spore print is white |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is edible |
Description
editThe fruiting body is 4–18 centimetres (1+1⁄2–7 in) across, whitish, and heavily branched and toothed. Both the flesh and the spore print are white.[3]
Similar species
editIt resembles Hericium abietis and H. erinaceus.[3]
Distribution and habitat
editIt is found throughout North America, growing on dead hardwood trees. It can be found from July to October in the east and November to March in the west.[3]
Uses
editThe species is edible and good[4] when young, but as it ages the branches and hanging spines become brittle and turn a light shade of yellowish brown.
References
edit- ^ Woehrel, Mary L.; Light, William H. (2017-11-01). Mushrooms of the Georgia Piedmont and Southern Appalachians: A Reference. University of Georgia Press. ISBN 978-0-8203-5003-5.
- ^ Russell, Bill (2017-08-01). Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic: Revised and Expanded Edition. Penn State Press. ISBN 978-0-271-08028-4.
- ^ a b c Audubon (2023). Mushrooms of North America. Knopf. p. 162. ISBN 978-0-593-31998-7.
- ^ Phillips, Roger (2010). Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. p. 327. ISBN 978-1-55407-651-2.
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