SOME COMMON MUSHIJOOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM 51 



HYDNACEAE (TOOTH FUNGI) 



In tlic family Hydnaceae tlio plants are stipitate, bracket shaped 

 or I'csiipinate, fleshy, corky, leathery, oi- woody. In Hydninn, the 

 most hifj^hly developed <::enus of this family, the hymeiiiiiiu is dis- 

 tinctly toothlike, but there are many intermediate <rradations. fiom 

 scattered granules or small hemispherical prominences to toothlike 

 developments. In all having teeth, the processes are directed down- 

 ward. 



KEY TO HYDNACEAE 



Hynieniiini of distinct, awl-shaped teeth or spines, resupinate 



or with central stem: Ocnns 



Plants flesliy HYDNUxr. 



Plants woody Echinodo.ntium. 



Hymeniuni with teeth iniited (connected at the base by slightly 

 raised folds), plants leathery, teeth not so acute as in 



Hydnuni Irpex. 



Hjineniiim with coarse, blnnt tul>ercles, subcylindrical, re- 

 supinate Radulum. 



HYDNUM 



The species of the genus Hydnum vary greatly as to form, con- 

 sistency, and manner of growtli. Certain forms possess well-defined 

 cap and stem, some are bracket shaped or shelving, and still others 

 are resupinate. The teeth are pointed and free from each other at 

 the base. In consistency, species of Hydnum range from soft fleshy 

 to toiigii. Many are terrestrial in hal)it, while others grow on living 

 or dead trees. 



HYDNUM CORALLOIDES. CORAL HYDNUM. (EDIBLE) 



This s])ecies is easily recoimized by the lon,a:, interlacing, tapering l)raiiches, 

 which are of two Ivinds: The primary, which are nearly sterile; and the 

 secondary, which are fertile and cliiefly Itear the slender terete teeth. The 

 substance is fleshy, brittle to somewhat tough. Iliidmiin corallnidcs is one 

 of the most graceful and beautiful species of fungi, and its white, corallike 

 tufts measure from 6 to 18 inches across. It grows on decaying prostrate 

 or standing timber and is found from August until frost. It is etlible, but 

 not very abundant or common. 



HYDNUM ERINACEUS. SATYR'S BEARD. (EDIBLE) 

 (Fig. 44) 



Hydnmn crhidecus forms pendulous tufts from 2 to 10 inches across. The 

 point of attachment is small and the mass generally i)r().jects horizontally from 

 the substratum. The tufts are white, changing to yellowish brown in drying. 

 Tlie individual teeth are crowded, slender. t(>rete, tapei'iiig, acute. 1 to -Vi 

 inches long. This siK'cies is quite conspicuous, growing from crotches or 

 wounds of trees — beech, oak, locust, etc. Growth from the same source may 

 appear year after year. 



CLAVARIACEAE (CORAL FUNGI) 



The common name of the coral fungi was given them on account 

 of their resemblance to coral. They are erect, club-shaped, simple, 

 or branched and vary in size from slender clubs to large, many- 

 branched ma.s.ses. In many species the color is very beautiful and 

 may be lavender, pink, orange, cream, or white. Certain members 



