Extract from Wikipedia article: Steccherinum ochraceum, known as ochre spreading tooth, is a hydnoid fungus of the family Steccherinaceae. It is a plant pathogen infecting sweetgum trees. It was originally described as Hydnum ochraceum by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1792, and later transferred to the genus Steccherinum in 1821 by Samuel Frederick Gray in 1821.
Steccherinum ochraceum is a species of tooth fungus that grows on dead wood, characterized by its ochre to golden-brown color and small, crowded spines. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits in the fall and winter months, often on oak, elm, and willow logs. The fruiting bodies are resupinate, meaning they grow flat against the substrate, and can form large, patch-like growths. Microscopic features include cylindrical to subcylindrical basidiospores that are 4-6 μm in length. It is a relatively common species in the region, found in a variety of woodland habitats.
Ochre spreading tooth mushroom (Steccherinum ochraceum) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, December 1, 2018 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cleveland, TX 77328, USA
Ochre spreading tooth mushroom (Steccherinum ochraceum)(?) on a fallen twig on Caney Creek section of Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 10, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Tooth fungus Steccherinum ochraceum on a fallen hardwood tree in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Spores of tooth fungus Steccherinum ochraceum from a fallen hardwood tree, collected a day before in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 3, 2023
Odontoid corticioid mushroom Steccherinum ochraceum on a fallen stick in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. Cleveland, Texas, April 22, 2023 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Tooth corticioid mushroom Steccherinum ochraceum on a fallen stick in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. Cleveland, Texas, April 22, 2023 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Underside of tooth mushrooms Steccherinum ochraceum on a fallen stick in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. Cleveland, Texas, April 22, 2023 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Caps of tooth mushrooms Steccherinum ochraceum on a fallen stick in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. Cleveland, Texas, April 22, 2023 San Jacinto County, Texas, United States
Spores from tooth mushroom Steccherinum ochraceum collected in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary a day before. Texas, April 23, 2023 Spore size 3.2 - 3.7 × 2.5 - 2.79 µm, length to width ratio Q = 1.2 - 1.4.
Ochre Spreading Tooth fungus (Steccherinum ochraceum)(?) together with Hypoxylon on a dry Yaupon stem on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, January 1, 2024 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Tooth fungus Steccherinum ochraceum(?) on a dry Yaupon stem on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, January 1, 2024 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Close-up of corticioid fungus Steccherinum ochraceum(?) on a dry Yaupon stem on South Wilderness Loop Trail at Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, January 1, 2024 Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Spores of fungus Steccherinum ochraceum(?) from a Yaupon twig, collected a day before in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 2, 2024 Spore size 3.2 - 3.7 × 2.1 - 2.4 µm, length to width ratio Q = 1.4 - 1.7.
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of the fungus Steccherinum ochraceum in East and Central Texas indicate it grows on various substrates, including fallen twigs, hardwood trees, and dry stems. It has been found in several locations, including Sam Houston National Forest, Lick Creek Park, Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary, and Little Lake Creek Wilderness. The fungus typically appears as a tooth-like or odontoid structure, with an ochre-colored cap. Spores have been collected from the fungus on multiple occasions, often a day after initial observation. The fungus has also been found in conjunction with other species, such as Hypoxylon. Observations span several years, from 2018 to 2024, and occur during different seasons, including winter and spring. The fungus appears to be relatively widespread in the region, with multiple sightings in various habitats.