Coral fungus

Coral fungi, also sometimes called antler fungi, are mushrooms that are so named due to their resemblance to aquatic coral or antlers. A number of coral fungi are edible, but some (such as Ramaria flava) have been reported to have strong laxative effects though they are palatable. Some are too small to be worth gathering.

They should be cropped while young; when old, these fungi are fibrous or dry and woody. Some species become toxic when cut with a metal knife or washed in metal sieves and should be cleaned. Coral fungi can be similar in appearance to jelly fungi. They are often brightly colored, mostly oranges, yellows, or reds, and usually grow in older mature forests. Some of the coral family (Clavariaceae) are saprotrophic on decaying wood, while others are commensal or even parasitic.

Korallen (Pilze) Ramariaceae Šakočius Coral fungi