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Hydnum repandum

 
The pale Hedgehog Fungus is a popular edible species, but it should be picked while young and free from worms and grubs. These quite large fungi grow in all kinds of damp woodland.

Identification guide

Description

The cap is creamy white, with irregular undulations and pits. The upper surface has a fine velvety feel and tends to redden slightly when handled.The firm, crunchy flesh of this large edible fungus is slightly spicy and not dissimilar to that of the Common Chanterelle, Cantharellus cibarius. Hanging down like stalactites, soft spines cover the fertile surface of the Hedgehog Fungus. The spines are decurrent to the stem.

Size

fruitbody 4 to 15 cm in diameter and 5 to 10 cm tall.

Stem diameter typically 15 to 30 mm.

Spines 2 to 6 mm long.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

Odour not distinctive; turns bitter in the mouth after a few moments delay.

Habitat

Forms rings among the moss and leaf litter of forest floors.

Season

August to December.

Occurrence

Fairly common.

Similar species

  1. Hydnum rufescens is smaller and tan coloured; its spines are adnate to the stem rather than decurrent.
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