Echinodontium tinctorium

Echinodontium tinctorium, commonly known as the Indian paint fungus or toothed conk, is a species of fungus in the family Echinodontiaceae. It is a plant pathogen. Found on tree species such as grand fir.

Description

Growing to wide, it can be identified by the grayish spines of its lower surface. The flesh is reddish-brown and woody.

Similar species include the rare Echinodontium ballouii, as well as various conks which have pores rather than teeth below.

Native Americans used the red interior as a pigment. Some Plateau Indian tribes applied the fungus to skin to prevent it from chapping. It is inedible.