 Hydnellum fruitbodies have caps and stipes , often with indeterminant growth forms , that may grow in spurts and decay over several weeks . Neighboring fruitbodies can coalesce , forming intricately intertwined caps and partially fused stipes . The flesh has a zoned appearance and is fibrous when fresh , but becomes hard and woody when dry . Zones in the flesh reflect differences in growth during periods of low daytime and high nighttime humidity , and give a fairly accurate record of daily growth . The spines are crowded closely together and typically decurrent ( extending down the length of the stipe ) . They may be a variety of colors , such as white to yellow , olive green , shades of orange , light brown , or dark brown in age . 
