About Hydnellum concrescens (Pers.) Banker
Hydnellum concrescens (Pers.) Banker is an inedible fungus, commonly called the zoned hydnellum or zoned tooth fungus. Like other tooth fungi, it produces spores on spines located on the underside of its cap, instead of on gills. This fungus has a funnel-shaped cap that usually measures 2 to 7 cm (0.79 to 2.76 inches) in diameter, and the cap has characteristic concentric color zones. Radial ridges may also grow on the cap, extending from its center out to its margins. The spines are pink when the fungus is young, and turn brown as the specimen ages. This species looks very similar to Hydnellum scrobiculatum. Traditionally, distinguishing the two has relied on largely unreliable microscopic traits like spore size and ornamentation. Recent research has confirmed that DNA sequencing of the ITS regions can be used to tell the two species apart.
