Phellodon atratus
Species of fungus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phellodon atratus is a species of tooth fungus in the family Bankeraceae. Found in North America, it occurs most frequently closer to the Pacific coast and under Sitka spruce.
| Phellodon atratus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Thelephorales |
| Family: | Bankeraceae |
| Genus: | Phellodon |
| Species: | P. atratus |
| Binomial name | |
| Phellodon atratus K.A.Harrison (1964) | |
Taxonomy
The species was described as new to science in 1964 by Canadian mycologist Kenneth A. Harrison.[1]
Description
The cap is dark violet to black, sometimes making it difficult to see; the margins are usually lighter.[2] It is 1.5–5 centimetres (5⁄8–2 in) wide, while the off-center stipe is 1.5–4.5 cm (1⁄2–1+3⁄4 in) tall.[3] The flesh is violet or blue-black.[2] It has a mild smell and produces a white spore print.[3]
Its edibility is unknown, but it is too small and tough to be of interest.[4]
Similar species
Phellodon melaleucus is similar, but appears more brownish, also staining brown.[2] Other lookalikes include P. niger, P. alboniger, P. melaleucus, P. tomentosus, and members of Hydnellum.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs most frequently closer to the Pacific coast and under Sitka spruce.[2]
