The fused tooth fungus belongs to the stipitate hydnoid fungi group. These fungi share some morphological characters, but are not naturally related (8). Stipitate hydnoid fungi are also known as 'tooth fungi', since the spores are released from tooth-like structures. The fruit bodies are terrestrial and have a short stalk or 'stipe', hence the name 'stipitate' (1). The teeth are on the underside of the fruit body (the part of the fungus that we see) (1). The flesh of all members of the genus Phellodon is tough and somewhat leathery; it becomes 'corky' when it dries (1) and develops a distinct spicy smell (4). The spores are spiny and white (4). The caps may fuse together to form one mass with a number of stipes, and may grow around and even engulf blades of grass and twigs. If they are growing on a slope, the fruit bodies can overlap to form layers of semi-fused caps (1). As specimens age the cap may change in terms of colour, shape and texture (1), but confusion can arise as the downy surface of the cap can darken greatly when it rains (4).

WARNING: many species of fungus are poisonous or contain chemicals that can cause sickness. Never pick and eat any species of fungus that you cannot positively recognise or are unsure about. Some species are deadly poisonous and can cause death within a few hours if swallowed.