Fauna
Fungus

Crown-tipped Coral Fungus

Artomyces pyxidatus

Also known as Crown Coral, Box Coral Fungus

Crown-tipped coral fungi grow directly from decaying wood, forming intricate branched clusters that resemble marine corals. Each slender branch ends in a tiny crown-like cup with miniature radiating points, setting it apart from ground-dwelling coral mushrooms. As a saprobic decomposer, this fungus breaks down fallen hardwood logs and returns vital nutrients to temperate forest soils.

Wood-DecayingForest FloorBranching
Crown-tipped Coral Fungus reference1 / 7
(c) Fluff Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Fluff Berger · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySaprobic (decomposer of decaying wood)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus Gnats
  • Beetles
ThreatsDeforestation and removal of deadwood habitat
HabitatsTemperate deciduous and mixed forests on decaying hardwood logs
Life spanFruiting body lasts several days to weeks; mycelium lives indefinitely
Classification
  1. OrderRussulales
  2. FamilyAuriscalpiaceae
  3. GenusArtomyces
  4. SpeciesArtomyces pyxidatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many wild fungi have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild mushrooms based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Inspect Branch Tips: Look closely at the tips of the branches to see the tiny crown-like cups unique to this genus.
  • Check the Substrate: Verify that the fruiting body grows directly on dead wood rather than from forest soil.
  • Photograph Details: Take clear close-up photos of the branch tips and attachment point for accurate identification.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…