Community find

Jelly Tooth Fungus

Pseudohydnum gelatinosum

Group

jelly fungus

Season

It is most commonly found during the late summer and autumn months, often appearing after periods of rain.

Habitat

This fungus is saprobic, growing on decaying coniferous wood, particularly logs, stumps, and branches of fir, spruce, and hemlock. It prefers moist, cool environments in coniferous or mixed forests.

Key characteristics

The fruit body is typically fan-shaped, kidney-shaped, or spatulate (spoon-shaped) and can grow up to 10 cm across. It has a translucent, gelatinous texture, and its color ranges from whitish to grayish to brownish. The underside (fertile surface) is covered with soft, tooth-like spines (hydnoid), which are also gelatinous and translucent. The upper surface is often covered in small, fine hairs. It usually lacks a distinct stalk, or has a very rudimentary lateral one.

Look-alikes

There are no other readily similar species that are gelatinous and have teeth on the underside in North America or Europe. It's quite distinctive due to its combination of gelatinous texture and toothed hymenium. However, other gelatinous fungi exist which do not have teeth.

Ecological role

Pseudohydnum gelatinosum is a saprobic fungus, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. It plays a role in the decomposition of fallen coniferous wood, recycling nutrients back into the forest ecosystem.