Devil’s Tooth

Devil’s Tooth Hydnellum peckii Banker, in Peck (illustrated 45% life size) Fruit body single or fused with others. Cap 3–7cm across, flattened convex to depressed, uneven or knobbly, ridged or pitted towards centre; initially white then pale vinaceous- or brownish-pink darkening from the centre outwards to reddish-brown, purple, or almost black; velvety at first and often covered in red droplets. Stem 5–60×5–20mm, cylindrical or tapered towards base; concolorous with cap; velvety. Flesh taste and smell not distinctive. Spines 1–4.5mm long; white at first then pale purplish-brown. Spores 5–5.5×3.5–4¼, tuberculate. Spore print brown. Habitat in coniferous woods; late summer to autumn. Uncommon to frequent in Scottish pine woods. Vulnerable on Red Data List, a conserved species on the Biodiversity Action Plan. Unknown edibility.