Specimen #17 Comb Fungus

Figure 1. Hermicium ramosum on rotting wood

Figure 2. Close up above view 

Figure 3. Close up view of the icicles

Name: Hericium ramosum

Common name: Comb Fungus

Family: Hericiaceae

Collection date: September 18, 2015

Habitat: "Solitary or in small groups on fallen hardwood branches, logs, and stumps; widely distributed solid to be most common in North America.

Location: Hiram, OH

Description: Fruting body 3-5cm broad and 6-15cm high when mature, comprised of open frame work of rather delicate base or "trunk," pure white when fresh, discoloring creamy to buff or yellowish-tan in old age. Flesh white spines more or less evenly distributed in lines along the branches (like teeth on a comb), sometimes also in small tufts at the branch tips. Spines rather short, 3-10mm.

Key used: Arora, David.(1986). Mushrooms Defined second edition.Ten Speed Press.

Keying steps:

1b) Not as above, not growing on cones, stalk if present usually thicker

2b) Not as above

3b) Growing on wood

4a) Fruiting body branched framework or unbranched cushion of tissue from which spines are suspended (icicle-like) lacking a distinct cap..Hericium pg. 613= Hericium ramosum

Notes: "Edible and delicious when slow cooked."

Links:

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/hericium_coralloides.html

http://www.midwestmycology.org/Mushrooms/Species%20listed/Hericium%20species.html