Hericium coralloides

(Scop.) Pers.

A mature fruiting body growing on a heavily-decayed beech stump in Epping Forest, Essex.
A duo of fruiting bodies
The second fruiting body
A side profile
Looking more closely at the toothed mass from splaying fronds

A mature fruiting body growing on a heavily-decayed beech stump in Epping Forest, Essex.
A duo of fruiting bodies
The second fruiting body
A side profile
Looking more closely at the toothed mass from splaying fronds

Common name

Coral tooth.

Often found on

Beech and ash.

Sometimes found on

Other broadleaved species.

Location

Found on fallen stems, stumps, and dead parts of standing trees (i.e. pruning stubs).

Description

Annual. Frond-like mass of coralloid spines. Pearly white. Can become quite large. Unmistakeable and simply brilliant.

Confused with

Hericium cirrhatum (teeth grow like icicles); Hericium erinaceus (long teeth presented like a lion’s mane)

Significance

Very rare. Noteworthy. Not protected by legislation though any findings should be photographed, locations noted and all the relevant details sent to Kew Gardens’ mycological department. Do not pick this fungus.