Climacodon septentrionalis
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Climacodon septentrionalis, commonly known as the northern tooth fungus or the white rot fungus, is a species of shelf fungus in the phylum Basidiomycota.[1] It is white in color and can be found in large clusters on the trunks of trees.[2] This species is a plant pathogen native to North America.[1]
Taxonomy
Climacodon septentrionalis was originally described by Elias Magnus Fries in 1821 under the genus Hydnum.[3][4] It was later transferred to Climacodon in 1881 by Petter Karsten.[5]
Description
Individual caps are semicircular or kidney-shaped and can reach up to Script error: No such module "convert". across and Script error: No such module "convert". at the base.[1][2] They typically occur in large groups that can reach Script error: No such module "convert". in height.[1][2] Young caps range from mostly white to a yellow-cream color, and slowly become a yellow-brown as they age.[1][2] The caps tend to persist for multiple weeks, allowing algae to grow, giving them a slightly green appearance.[2] The cap surface can be rough or even hairy, and can have concentric rings radiating out from the base.[2] The underside of the cap has many white spines that reach 1 cm in length and also yellow with age.[1]
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Habitat and distribution
The species is a common cause of heart rot in hardwood trees in their native range,[1][2] It can be found on the trunks of living and recently deceased trees, especially beech (Fagus) and maple (Acer) species.[1][2]
It is native to northeastern North America (August–October),[6] ranging from southern Canada to Kentucky, and as far west as the Great Plains.[1][2][7]
Nematode predation
Climacodon septentrionalis was the first observed species of fungus outside of Agaricus to secrete a toxin that it uses to immobilize and kill fungiphagous nematodes.[8][9] The mycelium of this species grows secretory cells the protrude outwards and develop branches that produce the substance in small droplets.[8] When a nematode comes in contact with a droplet, they become encased in it, and their motion is completely inhibited.[8] Death after contact occurs within several hours, but the rate at which a nematode was decomposed varied greatly, ranging from a few weeks to several days.[8]
Uses
C. septentrionalis is edible but not palatable due to its tough flesh and bitter taste.[1][2]
Novel compounds
Climacodon septentrionalis produces some compounds with potential uses.[10] Esters are natural or synthetic, fragrant compounds that can be found in perfumes and flavorings, or used in paints, solvents, insecticides, and more.[11] The mycelium of this species produces esters that could be used in perfumes.[10][11] The compound furaneol is a commonly used in the cooking industry as a flavoring, with different forms having tastes ranging from a strawberry or pineapple to a caramel or honey flavor.[12] The furaneol found in C. septentrionalis is extracted from its fruiting bodies, and has a strawberry-like flavor and taste.[10]
References
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