Velvet Tooth

Velvet Tooth Hydnellum spongiosipes (Peck) Pouzar (illustrated 45% life size) Fruit body single or fused with others. Cap 2–7cm across, flattened-convex or slightly depressed; whitish-yellow and velvety at first, becoming flesh-coloured to brownish or cinnamon, finally dark brown bruising reddish; smooth, uneven, usually with one or two concentric grooves. Stem 10–90×5–30mm, swollen below; dark reddish-brown; very thick, spongy, felt-like tomentum. Flesh smell mealy. Spines 1–6mm long; whitish at first, later dark brown. Spores 6–7×4.5–5.5¼, irregular, tuberculate. Spore print light to dark brown. Habitat in deciduous woods, usually with oak; autumn. Uncommon, rare on Red Data List, a conserved species on the Biodiversity Action Plan. Unknown edibility.