·3 min read
Clavulina amethystina
Color
Purple
Shape
Coral Fungi
Surface
Smooth
Important Mushroom Background Information
Clavulina amethystina is a species of coral fungus in the family Clavulinaceae. The breathtaking violet coral that found in hardwood forest. Identified with macro features only. Another strong candidate is Clavaria zollingeri.
This coral fungus is edible but with low nutritional value.
Clavulina amethystina Mushroom Identification
1
Ecology
Presumably mycorrhizal; found under conifers and hardwoods; growing alone, scattered, or gregariously - but not in clusters; often in moss or moist areas; summer and fall; the southeastern United States to Massachusetts and Illinois.
2
Fruiting Body
2-6 cm high; usually moderately and irregularly branched, antlered, or lobed - but sometimes branched sparingly or not at all; when branched up to 4 cm wide.
3
Branches
Fairly smooth, or finely rugged (but bald); fleshy tan to drab lilac or drab purple; tips colored like the sides, bluntly to sharply pointed or occasionally vaguely "cristate" with sharp points.
4
Base
Up to about 3 cm long; velvety at the base; colored and textured like the branches.
5
Flesh
Colored like the surfaces; brittle in the branches and tougher in the stem.
6
Spore Print
White.
7
Chemical Reactions
Irons salts negative on branches.
8
Microscopic Features
Spores 7.5-8.5 x 6-7.5 ; subglobose or broadly ellipsoid; smooth; with an apiculus. Basidia clavate; 2-sterigmate with long, incurved sterigmata. Clamp connections present.
Sources
Photo Credit 1
Dan Molter (shroomydan)Photo Credit 2
Jason HollingerPhoto Credit 3
Mikael NikuPhoto Credit 4
Cowirrie