About this fungus
Upright Coral Fungus is a fungus in the Gomphaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A compact coral fungus with many narrow branches held distinctly upright, producing a brush-like or candelabra form. Fresh growth is pale cream to buff and damaged or ageing branches develop wine-brown tones.
What to check
Confirm that the clustered branches rise from dead wood, buried wood or woodchip and repeatedly fork into sharp upright tips. Look for wine-red to purplish-brown bruising and white mycelial cords at the base. There is no cap, gills, ring or volva. Exact Ramaria identification often requires spores and other microscopic features.
Lookalikes
Ramaria formosa is usually pink-orange with yellow tips and has a different, more open form. Several pale Ramaria and Phaeoclavulina species overlap in colour and branching, and some coral fungi cause gastrointestinal poisoning. Substrate and bruising help, but neither proves the species.
Habitat and range
Saprotrophic on decaying broadleaved or conifer wood, including buried wood, logs, stumps and woodchip mulch. It is reported across Europe, Asia and North America, but regional records based only on appearance may contain close relatives.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Lamiot / CC BY-SA 1.0