=Hydnum caput-medusæ= =Spines:= The long, soft spines cover the entire exposed portion of the fungus, which is disposed in fleshy branching divisions, each terminating in a "crown" of shorter, drooping teeth. The color is pale buff or dark creamy. =Stem:= Short, concealed beneath the growth. =Taste:= Sweet and aromatic, slightly pungent. =Habitat:= Trunks of trees, especially beech. =Season:= July to October.