A small, brittle coral fungus with antler-like violet to magenta branches rising from a whitish base. It grows on the ground in moss and litter, usually near hardwoods, and in Europe in old grasslands. It is rare and listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Edibility uncertain; not recommended. Sometimes reported edible in small amounts with little culinary value and possible laxative effect, while other guides class it as inedible. Its rarity is a further reason not to collect it.
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Saprobic; on the ground in woodland litter or moss, usually under hardwoods, and in unimproved grasslands; summer and fall.
Distribution
In North America mostly the Northeast, with isolated sites south to northern Arkansas; also Australia, New Zealand, South America and parts of Asia (e.g., India, Korea, Brunei). Rare in Europe and listed as threatened in Denmark and Great Britain.
Characteristics
Fruiting body: 2-10 cm high, branches arising from a common base, branching frequent to occasional, branches 2-6 mm wide with rounded or irregular tips. Color: purple to pinkish purple or magenta, fading somewhat; base whitish. Flesh: brittle, thin, purplish. Odor and taste: not distinctive or mildly radish-like. Spore print: white. Microscopic: spores ellipsoid, smooth, inamyloid, 4-7 x 3-5.5 µm; basidia 4-spored; clamp connections absent.
