''Echinodontium tinctorium'' is a species of

fungus A fungus ( : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, separately from th ...

in the family

Echinodontiaceae The Echinodontiaceae are a family of crust fungi in the order Russulales. Species of this family, divided amongst two genera—'' Echinodontium'' and '' Laurilia''—have a widespread distribution, although they are especially predominant in nort ...

. A

plant pathogen Plant pathology (also phytopathology) is the scientific study of diseases in plants caused by pathogens (infectious organisms) and environmental conditions (physiological factors). Organisms that cause infectious disease include fungi, oomyc ...

, it is commonly known as the Indian paint fungus. Found on tree species such as grand fir (and indicating a rotten core), it can be identified by the grayish spines of its lower surface. Native Americans used the red interior as a pigment. Some

Plateau Indian Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Plateau, also referred to by the phrase Indigenous peoples of the Plateau, and historically called the Plateau Indians (though comprising many groups) are indigenous peoples of the Interior of British Columbia ...

tribes applied the fungus to skin to prevent it from chapping. It is inedible.

References

External links

Roger's Mushrooms
Fungi described in 1895 Fungal plant pathogens and diseases Inedible fungi Russulales {{fungus-plant-disease-stub