About this fungus
Rosso Coral Fungus is a fungus in the Gomphaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A large, dense coral fungus with a thick pale base and crowded branches whose tips are flushed pink to red. Its cauliflower-like build is striking, but several related Ramaria share the same general appearance.
What to check
Check for a stout white to cream base, thick repeatedly divided branches and blunt reddish tips. There is no cap, ring or volva. Record the associated trees and any colour change after handling. Exact separation from red-tipped Ramaria commonly requires spore measurements and other microscopic characters.
Variation
Young fruit bodies may be almost white apart from the pink tips. The main branches become cream, tan or ochre with age, while the tips range from pale pink to red or purplish and may fade after rain or frost.
Lookalikes
Ramaria rubripermanens is extremely similar and has often been mixed with this species in records. Ramaria formosa and other coral fungi can also have pink or orange branches and some cause gastrointestinal illness.
Habitat and range
Ectomycorrhizal on woodland soil, especially with broadleaved trees such as beech in Europe. North American red-tipped Ramaria include additional species and should be interpreted with regional keys rather than assuming the European name applies.
Food safety
Edibility is uncertain or disputed.