Steccherinum ochraceum

Scientific name:  Steccherinum ochraceum (Pers.)
Gray
Derivation of nameOchrac- means "orange-yellow" (ochre),
in reference to the common color of this fungus.  
SynonymsHydnum ochraceum Pers.  
Common name(s):  Ochre spreading tooth.
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Polyporales
Family:  Phanerochaetaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate:  Saprobic; forming a
spreading crustlike mass with projecting caps (effused-
reflexed) or sometimes completely resupinate; June through
November, found year-round. 
Dimensions: Caps 0.3-4.5 cm wide and 0.3-1.5 cm long
from a spreading crustlike base.    
Description:  The orange-yellow or ochre-colored caps of
this fungus have a whitish margin. The caps are often hairy,
zoned and may occur in overlapping clusters. The
undersurfaces of the caps and the crustlike resupinate
portions are covered by ochre-colored spines up to 1.5 mm
long and often forked at their tips.   
Edibility: Inedible.
Comments:  Identification is more certain when both caps
and crustlike spreading portions are present.  

More information at MushroomExpert.com


Figure 1. Effused-reflexed specimen of Steccherinum
ochraceum
. Photo © Gary Emberger.


Figure 2. Another specimen of Steccherinum
ochraceum
. Photo © Gary Emberger.


Figure 3. This specimen does not have as many caps as the
specimens in Figures 1 and 2. Note the white growing
margins in both specimens. Photo © Steve Nelsen.


Figure 4. Close examination of the surface reveals the
presence of tiny spines. Photo © Gary Emberger.


Figure 5. A close view of the spines shows that many of them
are forked at the tips. Photo © Gary Emberger.

 

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