Cap on a stem; teeth below cap species

The fungi in this group produce fruitbodies with spine-like or slightly flattened teeth on the underside of the cap.

These toothed species are poorly known in the Canberra Nature Map area, with very few herbarium specimens or reported sightings.  Most likely to be seen is the genus Hydnum, with cream to pale brown caps to 5 centimetres or more in diameter. At least one species of Phellodon occurs in the ACT. The caps are black, thin, about 2 centimetres in diameter and easily overlooked in leaf litter or shadows. Species of Hydnellum generally have small, dowdy brown caps (also easily overlooked) and there is a record of this genus from the far south-east of the CNM area.

Fruitbodies of similar form are found in Auriscalpium, Beenakia and Sarcodon. Those genera occur in south-eastern Australia and, though not yet reported from the Canberra Nature Map area, it would be surprising if none were present.

Warnings

Sometimes it can be hard to tell, with the naked eye, whether the underside of the cap has tiny pores or densely-packed teeth.  A magnifying glass or hand lens would make things clear.