Scaly Tooth Mushroom
Sarcodon imbricatus
Identification: Sarcodon imbricatus (Scaly Tooth)
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All Images (3)
Key Features
- Cap dark brown
- robust
- covered in large
- dark
- overlapping scales (imbricate).
- Hymenium composed of pale
- brittle
- decurrent spines (teeth) instead of gills.
- Stem thick
- pale brown
- often eccentric.
- Terrestrial growth
- typically associated with coniferous trees (pine/spruce).
Color:
Dark brown (cap), Pale buff/tan (spines and stem)
Smell:
Slightly mealy or spicy odor
Growth Pattern:
Single
Environment:
Хвойний ліс (Coniferous forest floor)
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Coniferous forest, among moss and pine needles.
Distribution:
Widespread across Europe, including Ukraine.
Seasonality:
Late summer to autumn
Economic Value
Market Demand:
Low - primarily collected locally in some regions; often rejected due to bitterness.
Price Range:
N/A
Commercial Use:
None
Similar Species
Bitter Tooth
Sarcodon scabrosus
Key Differences:
- Stem base often exhibits bluish or greenish tints.
- Context stains blue/green with KOH.
Hedgehog Mushroom
Hydnum repandum
Key Differences:
- Cap surface smooth, not scaly.
- Cap color lighter (buff or apricot).
Recommended Action
Do not consume without absolute confirmation; bitterness is common. Confirm identification via spore print and context reaction.