(no subject)
Often called the "hedgehog mushroom," this most delectable of delicious delicacies is easily recognized by its pale orange-tan colors, its terrestrial habitat, and the spines or "teeth" on its underside. In fact, Hydnum repandum is one of the safest edible mushrooms, since it is so unmistakable. Sadly, I rarely find Hydnum repandum in quantities sufficient for the table--but when I do, life stops until I eat them. Aside from the sweetly nutty taste, the texture of the hedgehog mushroom is truly wonderful; "pleasantly crunchy" is how I would describe it.
Over the years mycologists have suspected a relationship between Hydnum repandum (sometimes named Dentinum repandum) and the Chanterelles. In fact the hedgehog mushroom is easily mistaken for a faded chanterelle--until you get a peek at its spiny underside. Aside from appearance, taste, and smell, however, the hedgehog parallels the chanterelles microscopically, since it has stichobasidia (basidia whose cell division occurs lengthwise). I am not aware of any DNA research confirming the relationship, though I suspect it has been published, since the current Ainsworth & Bisby's Dictionary of the Fungi places the Hydnaceae within the Cantharellales.
Over the years mycologists have suspected a relationship between Hydnum repandum (sometimes named Dentinum repandum) and the Chanterelles. In fact the hedgehog mushroom is easily mistaken for a faded chanterelle--until you get a peek at its spiny underside. Aside from appearance, taste, and smell, however, the hedgehog parallels the chanterelles microscopically, since it has stichobasidia (basidia whose cell division occurs lengthwise). I am not aware of any DNA research confirming the relationship, though I suspect it has been published, since the current Ainsworth & Bisby's Dictionary of the Fungi places the Hydnaceae within the Cantharellales.