Hyphodontia setulosa is a crust fungus that grows on decaying wood, characterized by its effused-reflexed to pileate habit, white to cream-colored basidiocarps, and cylindrical to fusoid basidiospores. In East and Central Texas, it is commonly found on deciduous logs and stumps, particularly on oak and maple, in shaded, humid environments. The fungus produces small, setose (bristle-like) structures on its hymenial surface, which are visible under a microscope. Its fruiting bodies are typically 1-5 cm wide and have a wavy to lobed margin.
Resupinate tooth fungus (Hydnaceae) Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) on a stump of a broad-leaved tree on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Close up of resupinate tooth fungus Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) on a stump of a broad-leaved tree on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Details of resupinate tooth fungus Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) on a stump of a broad-leaved tree on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Resupinate tooth fungus Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) covering bark on a stump of a broad-leaved tree on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Resupinate tooth fungus Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) on barkless area of a stump of a broad-leaved tree on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Resupinate tooth fungus Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) and holes made by birds in a stump on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
Cut surface of a broad-leaved tree with resupinate tooth fungus Hyphodontia setulosa (Phlebia setulosa) on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 21, 2018 New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Hyphodontia setulosa in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows on stumps of broad-leaved trees, covering both bark and barkless areas. It was found on a stump on Chinquapin Trail in Huntsville State Park, where it formed a resupinate tooth fungus growth. The fungus was observed to be densely packed with fine teeth or spines. In some cases, the fungus covered large areas of the stump, while in others, it grew alongside holes made by birds. The fungus also grew on cut surfaces of trees, indicating its ability to colonize freshly exposed wood. Overall, Hyphodontia setulosa appears to be a common and widespread species in East and Central Texas, thriving on decaying wood in forest environments. Its growth patterns suggest a opportunistic and adaptable nature, allowing it to exploit various substrates and microhabitats.