Coral fungi

A yellow coral fungus

Clavaria zollingeri

Coral fungi, more properly clavaroid fungi, are a group of mushrooms. They are usually shaped like coral, but can also be shaped like forks, worms or clubs. They are rubbery and at times are brightly coloured.

Originally, such fungi were put in the genus Clavaria, and called "clavarioid", which means Clavaria-like. It is now known that clavarioid species are not all closely related. Since they are often studied as a group, we keep the informal (non-taxonomic) name of "clavarioid fungi", which is frequently used in research papers.

Habitat

Most clavaria fungi grow on the ground, but some grow on well-decayed logs and stumps. They are usually found in forests but some can also be found in fields. Like all mushrooms, they are decomposers.

Eating

Although they are not poisonous, some kinds are a laxative and some can cause stomach pain.

Sources

Corner E.J.H. 1950. A monograph of Clavaria and allied genera. Cambridge: University Press.