Tooth fungi

 Tooth fungi are a fascinating group of mushrooms known for their spiky, tooth-like structures instead of gills or pores. Those “teeth” hang down and release spores—giving them a wild, almost alien look 🍄

What are Tooth Fungi?

• Belong mainly to genera like Hydnum, Hericium, and Sarcodon

• Also called hydnoid fungi

• Grow on wood or soil, often in forests

• Many are edible, some medicinal, others inedible

Famous Examples

1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

   • Looks like a white waterfall of icicles

   • Known for brain & nerve health benefits

   • Popular in supplements and cooking

2. Hedgehog Mushroom (Hydnum repandum)

   • Soft spines under the cap

   • Mild, nutty taste

   • Beginner-friendly edible mushroom

3. Bear’s Head Tooth (Hericium americanum)

   • Coral-like structure

   • Powerful medicinal potential

4. Scaly Hedgehog (Sarcodon imbricatus)

   • Dark, scaly cap

   • Bitter taste when old

Why They’re Special

• Ancient fungal lineage

• Important decomposers in ecosystems

• Some help regenerate nerves and support mental health