pyxidatus

Crown-tipped Coral

Artomyces pyxidatus is a distinctive coral fungus characterized by its upright, multi-branched fruiting body that resembles a candelabra or coral. The most diagnostic feature is the tip of each branch, which forms a small, cup-like depression surrounded by 3-6 points, resembling a tiny crown (pyxidate). The fruiting bodies typically reach 4-13 cm in height and range in color from whitish to pale yellowish when young, darkening to tan or pinkish-brown with age. Ecologically, this species is a saprobe that grows directly on decaying hardwood logs, a feature that distinguishes it from many terrestrial coral fungi. The flesh is pliable and tough but becomes brittle when dry. It produces a white spore print and possesses amyloid spores, a key microscopic characteristic. It is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.