At first glance, Hydnellum peckii appears vaguely mushroom-like, you know a fungus with a cap, stem, and gills. However, a closer inspection reveals its distinctive cap, ranging from 3 to 10 centimeters in diameter, with pores that exude droplets of a blood-red fluid, leading to its evocative name. The “bleeding” phenomenon is caused by a pigmented substance called atromentin.

Atromentin is also found in some species of mushrooms, particularly in the genera Xerula and Mycena. Now something for the Etsy witches, some research suggests that atromentin may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Flipping over to the underside of Hydnellum peckii, the “teeth” grab your attention.

Hydnellum fungi, commonly known as “tooth fungi,” are characterized by the presence of spines or “teeth” on the underside of their caps instead of gills or pores, as seen in other mushrooms. These “teeth” are elongated structures that play a crucial role in the reproductive process of the fungus. The spores are produced on the surfaces of these teeth and are dispersed into the environment to facilitate reproduction. As the fruiting body matures, the spores are released from the tips of the teeth. The evolutionary advantage of the tooth structure is thought to be an increase in the surface area available for spore production.