18/10/2024
Fang-tastic Fungus: the bleeding tooth fungus! 🩸🍄🟫
The bleeding tooth fungus, also known as Devil’s tooth fungus or strawberries and cream (isn’t that nice?), is a type of mushroom that oozes a thick, red fluid from the pores on its cap. Imagine stumbling upon this ghastly spectacle in the woods! The exact reason for the “bleeding” is unknown, but some think it’s to cause nightmares or enhance your fear of dentists, the devil, or strawberries. Wait, we’ve been informed that is not 100% correct. Ah, the gooey red liquid is a sap of sorts that oozes in a process called guttation. Gutta what? Our gut says it’s a process by which plants force out water droplets from the tips or edges of their leaves. This typically occurs when the plant has absorbed water through its roots faster than it can transpire through its leaves. In the case of the fungus, the sap bleeds through the surface. Talk about a mushroom with a penchant for drama. Horror? Definitely drama.
Is it edible? Why is the first question people ask when encountering something unusual in nature always, Can I eat it? Technically, anything is safe to eat once. But since you asked, the Bleeding Tooth Fungus, although not toxic, is known to taste so bitter (someone took one for the team) as to be inedible. Although it may look like strawberries and cream, it tastes like bitterness and regret.
In conclusion, if you happen upon the bleeding tooth fungus in your woodland wanderings, just remember—it’s all fun and games until the mushrooms start bleeding!
Image: Closeup up of bleeding tooth fungus at Isle Royale National Park.
