Hydnum rufescens

The Terracotta Hedgehog (Hydnum rufescens) is an edible basidiomycete of the Family Hydnaceae. It belongs to the small group of mushrooms having the fertile undersurface covered in spines, rather than gills or tubes.

It is very similar to the commoner Hydnum repandum, and is sometimes considered a variety of that species. However the following differences have been noted:


 * the cap of H. rufescens is russet rather than beige,
 * it is smaller and more regular in shape, with a central stipe,
 * the spines are not decurrent, and
 * the spores are slightly larger.

Both species are found on earth in coniferous and deciduous forests.