Species details
Golden coral fungus
Ramaria aurea
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: DenesFeri · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A robust golden-yellow coral fungus; young specimens are listed as edible, but Ramaria is difficult and includes strongly laxative species.
Identification features
The fruitbody is about 6–12 cm tall and wide, with a stout pale base branching into numerous yellow branches with golden-yellow tips.
Identification checklist
Check the uniform golden-yellow colour of young branches and the stout pale base. Old specimens lose their characteristic colours.
Size
- Stem height
- 6–12 cm
Habitat
Grows in deciduous and coniferous woodland in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October
Ecology
- Notes
- Grows in deciduous and coniferous woodland in summer and autumn.
How to separate similar species
Ramaria formosa can be strongly laxative; reliable identification is especially difficult in old yellow coral fungi.
Similar species
- Beautiful coral fungus (Ramaria formosa) DANGEROUS
- Cauliflower coral (Ramaria botrytis)
- Ramaria flava