About this fungus
Amethyst Coral is a fungus in the Hydnaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A small woodland coral with lilac to purple branches and blunt, sometimes crested tips.
What to check
Check the branch tips, smooth fertile surface, white spore print and woodland-soil growth rather than wood attachment.
Variation
Colour fades towards grey-brown with age, frost or dry weather, and parasitised specimens may become distorted.
Lookalikes
Clavulina amethystinoides is a frequent North American name for similar purple corals. Ramaria species may need microscopy and can include gastrointestinal irritants.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal on woodland soil. Verified C. amethystina is primarily a European concept, so records elsewhere need regional checking.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Photo: Geir Gaarder · CC BY 4.0