With about 14,000 described mushrooms currently inhabiting dank forest floors, decaying tree trunks, and dung piles, there are bound to be some strange-looking varieties. Some depart entirely from the toadstool silhouette—the stereotypical storybook form—with lengthy hairlike spines, fanning shell shapes, flower-esque pedals, and lattice designs. Others that lack uniqueness in shape are fantastic in their royal blue, indigo, and even bioluminescent colors. Many of the most bizarre mushrooms on the planet are extremely elusive.   

From a "bleeding" tooth mushroom to one that appears to wear a veil, here are 13 of the weirdest, rarest, and most beautiful mushrooms in the world.

1:Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): This mushroom gets its name from its long, flowing white tendrils that resemble a lion's mane. It is a medicinal mushroom known for its neurological benefits.

2:Blue Foot Mushroom (Lepista nuda): This mushroom has a vibrant blue stem and a brownish cap. It is edible and has a nutty flavor.

3:Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric): This mushroom is recognizable by its bright red cap with white spots. It is highly toxic if ingested, but has been used recreationally for its hallucinogenic properties.

4:Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): This mushroom is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a reddish-brown cap and a woody texture.

5:Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii): This mushroom has a dark red cap and appears to "bleed" when cut. It is not toxic, but is not edible due to its bitter taste.

6:Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): This mushroom has a bright yellow-orange cap and is highly prized for its delicate, nutty flavor. It is commonly used in French cuisine.

7:Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis): This mushroom grows on the bodies of insects and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known for its energizing and immune-boosting properties.

8:Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): This mushroom gets its name from its colorful, fan-shaped cap that resembles a turkey's tail. It is commonly used as a natural treatment for cancer and other illnesses.

9:Black Morel (Morchella elata): This mushroom has a distinctive honeycomb-like cap and is highly prized for its rich, earthy flavor. It is often used in French cuisine.

10:Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): This mushroom has a brown cap and a meaty texture. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is known for its immune-boosting properties.

11:Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes): This mushroom has a long stem and a small cap. It is commonly used in Japanese cuisine and has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.