Climacodon septentrionalis, commonly known as the northern tooth fungus or the white rot fungus, is a species of shelf fungus in the phylum Basidiomycota.[2] It is white in color and can be found in large clusters on the trunks of trees.[3] This species is a plant pathogen native to North America.[2]
Individual caps are semicircular or kidney-shaped and can reach up to 30 centimetres (12in) across and 2.5–5cm (1–2in) at the base.[2][3] They typically occur in large groups that can reach 80cm (31+1⁄2in) in height.[2][3] Young caps range from mostly white to a yellow-cream color, and slowly become a yellow-brown as they age.[2][3] The caps tend to persist for multiple weeks, allowing algae to grow, giving them a slightly green appearance.[3] The cap surface can be rough or even hairy, and can have concentric rings radiating out from the base.[3] The underside of the cap has many white spines that reach 1cm in length and also yellow with age.[2]
Underside of cap
Habitat and distribution
The species is a common cause of heart rot in hardwood trees in their native range,[2][3] It can be found on the trunks of living and recently deceased trees, especially beech (Fagus) and maple (Acer) species.[2][3]
It is native to northeastern North America (August–October),[7] ranging from southern Canada to Kentucky, and as far west as the Great Plains.[2][3][8]
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.[9][10] The mycelium of this species grows secretory cells the protrude outwards and develop branches that produce the substance in small droplets.[9] When a nematode comes in contact with a droplet, they become encased in it, and their motion is completely inhibited.[9] 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.[9]
Uses
C. septentrionalis is edible but not palatable due to its tough flesh and bitter taste.[2][3]
Novel compounds
Climacodon septentrionalis produces some compounds with potential uses.[11]Esters are natural or synthetic, fragrant compounds that can be found in perfumes and flavorings, or used in paints, solvents, insecticides, and more.[12] The mycelium of this species produces esters that could be used in perfumes.[11][12] 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.[13] The furaneol found in C.septentrionalis is extracted from its fruiting bodies, and has a strawberry-like flavor and taste.[11]
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Underside of cap
