Vivid Violet Coral Decorates Woodlands

This beautiful coral is known as Clavaria zollingeri, a fungus found in various regions.  It has striking violet to pinkish-purple fruit bodies or spore-producing structures that can be up to 10 cm tall (3.9 inches).

Initially colorful, they become dull grey-brown when they age. The branches are either rounded or pointed at the tips and are joined together at the base.

The fungi are found littered in woodlands near trails or among moss. While they may be striking to a passing hiker’s eye, they are inedible.  

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