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Hydnellum peckii
As in all mushroom-producing fungi, the fruit bodies (sporocarps) are the reproductive structures that are produced from fungal mycelium when the appropriate environmental conditions of temperature, humidity and nutrient availability are met. Hydnellum peckii is a stipitate hydnoid fungus, meaning that it has a cap atop a stipe (stem), and a form resembling a Hydnum—characterized by a teeth-like hymenium, rather than gills or pores on the underside of the cap. Fruit bodies growing closely together often appear to fuse together (this is called "confluence"). They can reach a height of up to 10.5 cm (4.1 in).[5] Fresh fruit bodies exude a striking, thick red juice when they are moist.[2] (Wikipedia)
Coastal Forest
Spotted on Aug 19, 2010
Submitted on Sep 20, 2012
2 Comments
We found one of these today. We weren't sure as it wasn't bright red like so many peckii pics online. Ours looked just like your pics. Thanks. Found in the same area North of Florence.
Nice spotting, I have never come across such an unusual fungi without gills and pores. The 3rd and 4th photos are really good.