542 



The; Corai^-like; Mushroom (Edibi^k) 

 Hydniim coraUoidcs Scop. 



Hydniim coralloides is perhaps the most beautiful fungus that na- 

 ture has produced. EHas Fries, a Swedish botanist, was the man who 

 laid the foundation for the study of the higher fungi, and it is said 

 that it was the great beauty of the coral-like mushroom that inspired 

 him, while a mere boy, to determine to devote his life to a study of 

 these plants. 



This mushroom belongs to the family Hydnaceae or hedgehog 

 fungi, so called because the spore-bearing basidia are borne on the 

 surface of spinelike projections which are always directed toward the 

 earth. This character separates the hedgehog fungi from the club 

 fungi or Clavariaceae, since, although the spore-bearing surface is 

 similar in the two families, in the club fungi the branches always pro- 

 ject upward, while in the hedgehog fungi they project downward. 



Hydiiiun coralloides grows on rotten logs, branches, etc., in the 

 woods from August to frost. The large, pure white tufts arise from 

 a common stem which divides into many branches and then subdivides 

 successively into long graceful shoots. The spines are scattered over 

 the under surface of these branches and hang down for 3 to 6 mm. 

 (^ to_i4 inch). 



This is considered an excellent edible species. Since the Hydnums 

 are sometimes slightly bitter it is best to boil them for just a moment 

 and throw the water awav, then stew slowly. They are excellent for 

 croquettes. 



Other species of Hydiuiin tliat are apt to be found, and that are 

 just as good to eat, are Hydnnui capuf-ursi Fries, the "bear's-head 

 Hydnum", which produces long white spines grouped at the ends of 

 branches, the spines being much longer than those of the coral Hyd- 

 num, and Hydmitn criuaccuni Bull., the "hedgehog Hydnum", which 

 forms a large unbranched mass with long, straight spines hanging 

 down from its sides. 



Collected in Champaign county. 



