Bearded tooth fungus, Hericium erinaceus (Wiki Commons, Eigene Arbeit von Lebrac)

Emily Dennis reports in Rare fungus rediscovered in Suffolk, on the appearance of a seldom seen fungus. Seldom seen at least in Suffolk (UK):

A rare fungus has returned to Suffolk having vanished for nearly 10 years. The bearded tooth fungus is a scarce species which had been known at RSPB Minsmere since 1990, but had not been seen since 1999. But the attractive variety was re-discovered by several fungi experts in a quiet corner of the reserve in October. Mark Gurney, an RSPB ecologist, said: “It is fantastic to rediscover this rare fungus at Minsmere.”

By “bearded tooth fungus” it is assumed they mean Hericium erinaceus. One can never be quite sure with common names can one? Quite a few companies offer extract of this fungus for sale as a medicinal.

More on the bearded tooth fungus:

Hericium erinaceus at Wikipedia (not bad but still a stub)

Photos of the bearded tooth fungus

Hericium erinaceus at Mushroom Expert

Hericium erinaceus at MykoWeb

List of research papers on the  medicinal qualities of Hericium erinaceus