Discover the bizarre and beautiful world of toothed fungi! In this mycology deep dive, we explore the stark contrast between foraging vibrant, edible mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest and the sobering reality of endangered species in Eastern Europe.

We break down the fascinating convergent evolution of fungi, explaining why completely unrelated species evolved downward-facing "teeth" or "spines" to drop their spores. From safe beginner edibles like Hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum) and the brain-boosting Lion's Mane (Hericium), to the strange, curry-scented leathery fungi and the striking Bleeding Tooth fungus (Hydnellum peckii), this episode is packed with field identification tips. Learn why crucial mycorrhizal fungi are highly sensitive to nitrogen pollution, why clear-cutting deadwood is destroying forest ecosystems, and how chemical testing with KOH can save your foraging trip. Whether you're a casual hiker or a hardcore mycology nerd, this deep dive will completely change how you look at the forest floor!

00:00 The Startling Contrast: PNW Field Guide vs. Belarus Red Data Book

04:15 The Linguistic Trap: What Exactly is a "Toothed" Fungus?

08:30 Convergent Evolution in Mycology: Solving the Spore Geometry Problem

12:45 The Toothed Jelly Fungus: False Hydnums & Gummy Bears of the Woods

17:20 The Safe Edibles: Foraging Hedgehog Mushrooms (Hydnum Species)

22:10 The Showstoppers: Lion's Mane and Coral Tooth (Hericium Species)

26:45 The Leathery Fungi: Hawk's Wing, Smelly Phellodon & Bitter Tastes

30:30 The Bleeding Tooth Fungus: Guttation and Forest Floor Oddities

34:15 Conservation Ecology: Why Mycorrhizal Fungi Are Endangered

toothed fungi, mycology, mushroom foraging, Lion's Mane mushroom, Hedgehog mushroom, Hericium, Hydnum, Bleeding Tooth fungus, mushroom identification, fungi conservation, convergent evolution, mycorrhizal fungi, Pacific Northwest foraging, forest ecology, mushroom DNA sequencing, wild edibles, mycology deep dive, Hydnellum peckii, nature podcast, fungi taxonomy

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