How to identify Orange Coral Mushroom

To correctly identify Orange Coral Mushroom (Ramaria aurantiaca), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Not applicable, as this mushroom does not have a distinct cap. The entire structure is a branched fruiting body.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not applicable, as this mushroom does not have gills. Spores are produced on the surface of the branches.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem (or base) is short, stout, and whitish to pale orange, typically 1-3 cm tall and 1-2 cm thick. It is often somewhat fuzzy or finely tomentose at the base where it attaches to the substrate. It quickly branches out into the coral-like structure.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is brittle, watery, and whitish to pale orange. It has a mild to slightly bitter taste and no distinctive odor.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is erect, highly branched, and coral-like, typically 5-15 cm tall and 4-10 cm wide. It arises from a single, stout base that quickly divides into numerous, densely packed branches. The branches are cylindrical, often flattened or grooved, and repeatedly dichotomously or polychotomously branched, with blunt or rounded tips. The color is a vibrant orange, apricot-orange, or golden-orange, often fading slightly with age or in dry conditions. The surface is smooth and dry.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on decaying hardwood or conifer logs, stumps, buried wood, or leaf litter. It can be found solitary or in scattered groups.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Not applicable (branched fruiting body)

Growth Form

Coral-like, branched

Spore Print

Ochre-yellow to brownish-yellow

Body color

Vibrant orange, apricot-orange, golden-orange

Odor

Mild to indistinct

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise significantly

Height

5-15 cm

Cap Diameter

Not applicable (width 4-10 cm)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable
• Stem shape: Cylindrical base, branching
• Stem surface: Finely tomentose at base, smooth on branches
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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