"Violet Coral" Clavaria Zollingeri

This beautiful violet coral-like fungus is found only very occasionally. The dichotomously branching fruitbodies can be up to 10cm tall and are initially violet but become dull grey-brown when old. It is an inedible species and is so rare that it should not be gathered except for important research. The fruit bodies of ''Clavaria zollingeri'' grow either solitarily, in groups, or in clusters on the ground in grassy spots, usually near hardwood trees, or with mosses. It is a saprobic species, deriving nutrients by breaking down organic matter.