About Hydnellum scabrosum (Fr.) E.Larss., K.H.Larss. & Kõljalg
The fruit body, or mushroom, of Hydnellum scabrosum has a convex to flattened brownish cap, reaching up to 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in) across. The cap is covered with brown scales; its margins may have a pink tinge, and the whole cap darkens as it ages. Under the cap are yellow-brown spines that measure 5 mm (1⁄4 in) long and 0.3 mm (1⁄64 in) in diameter, and these spines run decurrent down the stem. The pinkish brown stem is 2–12 cm (3⁄4–4+3⁄4 in) tall and 1–6 cm (3⁄8–2+3⁄8 in) wide, with a characteristic greyish green narrower base. The mushroom's flesh is whitish, with a bitter taste that makes it inedible. When cut, the flesh has a farinaceous scent or smells like watermelon. This species grows in association with hardwood forests, and its distribution ranges across Eurasia to Japan, and also includes North America.
