Scientific name
Pseudohydnum gelatinosum
Description
Toothed jelly fungus, is a teeth-shaped mushroom that is also called a false hedgehog mushroom. They are translucent-white and edible mushrooms that are found growing in conifer woods on rotting litter and logs. The upper side is often somewhat domed-shaped and grayish-white with transparent borders. Their stem is gray and white and is attached to the cap eccentrically. They tapered towards the base and are often almost as high as the diameter of the cap. Its caps range in size from 2 -10 cm wide, with a maximum height of up to 12 cm, although most commonly 6cm. The bottom of the cap features a 3- 4 mm length and has blunt spines. These mushrooms have a white-colored spore print. The diameter of their spore is 5-6 x 5-5.5 µm.
Habitat
Toothed jelly fungus is widespread in Australia, Asia, South America, New Zealand, North America, Europe, and Central America. The fungus grows on logs, damp forests, coniferous wood, decaying trunks, and stumps in forests.
Uses/Importance
Toothed jelly fungus is a rich source of polysaccharides. They are somewhat edible mushrooms and are mostly utilized in soups, stews, and salads. These mushrooms also contain chemical compounds that are anticancer in nature and inhibit tumor growth. The toothed jelly fungus also has anti-A serological specificity.
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