Side view of hydnoid mushroom Steccherinum oreophilum on a ...

The image depicts a close-up view of a hydnoid mushroom, specifically Steccherinum oreophilum, situated on the cut surface of an oak log.

**Key Features:**

* The mushroom exhibits a pale orange hue with a white margin.
* Its flesh is fibrous and resembles toothpaste in texture.
* The gills are absent, instead featuring numerous spines that radiate from the center of the cap to its margin.

**Mushroom Classification:**
Steccherinum oreophilum belongs to the genus Steccherinum within the family Meruliaceae. It is commonly referred to as the "woolly chanterelle" or "wooly tooth fungus." This species is characterized by its unique spines and is typically found growing on decaying wood, particularly oak logs.

**Environmental Context:**

* The image was captured in Huntsville State Park, Texas.
* The mushroom was discovered on October 30, 2020.
* Steccherinum oreophilum is a relatively rare species and can be challenging to identify due to its limited distribution and similarity to other fungi. – AI vision