Hydnellum regium Harrison Fruit body usually in fused masses. Cap 5-10cm across, fused in groups up to 25cm across and 15cm high from a central stem; violaceous black; surface rough, fibrous, radially striate at margin. Spines on undersurface vinaceous brown. Stem 50-150 x 25-50mm, compound, tapered at base; pinkish cinnamon below. Flesh violaceous at apex, dull tan at base. Odor fragrant, heavy. Taste slightly acrid. Spores subglobose, tuberculate, 4.5-6 x 3.5-4.5µ. Deposit brown. Habitat gregarious under conifers. Found in western North America. Season September-December. Inedible.