 Hydnellum diabolus ( the species epithet is given the <unk> <unk> in some publications ) has a very similar appearance , so much so that some consider it and H. peckii to be synonymous ; H. diabolus is said to have a <unk> pungent odor that is lacking in H. peckii . The differences between the two species are amplified in mature specimens : H. diabolus has an irregularly thickened stem , while the stem of H. peckii is thickened by a " definite <unk> layer " . Additionally , old specimens of H. peckii have a smooth cap , while H. diabolus is <unk> . The related species H. <unk> also <unk> pink droplets of liquid when young and moist . Commonly found growing under conifers in northeastern North America , H. <unk> tastes " unpleasant " , but not acrid . Fruit bodies tend to grow singly , rather than in fused clusters , and , unlike H. peckii , they do not have bulbous stems . 
