How to identify Pink Coral Fungus

To correctly identify Pink Coral Fungus (Ramaria botrytis), 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.

   N/A - the fruit body is entirely branch-structured.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   None; this is a non-gilled fungus.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Thick, fleshy, whitish base that branches repeatedly into smaller twigs.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Firm, white, and brittle; it does not change color when bruised.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Massive, branched, cauliflower-like base with densely packed, upward-curving branches.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Ectomycorrhizal with hardwoods, specifically beech and oak; found on the ground in deciduous forests.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Branch surfaces are smooth, becoming slightly wrinkled with age.

Growth Form

Cespitose (clumped) and highly branched.

Spore Print

Yellowish-ochre to creamy yellow.

Body color

Whitish to cream base with pink or reddish tips.

Odor

Mildly fragrant.

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising.

Height

8 to 15 cm.

Cap Diameter

10 to 20 cm wide (branching spread).

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A
• Stem shape: Massive, tuberous, branching base.
• Stem surface: Smooth to slightly scaly near the bottom.
• Ring: None.
• Stem cross-section: White and solid.

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