Fungus · GBIF taxon 2550493
crown-tipped coral fungus
Artomyces pyxidatusAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Saprobic (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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAuriscalpiaceae
- SpeciesArtomyces pyxidatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Hardwood Decomposer (c) Bill Sheehan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Bill Sheehan · cc-by-sa
Look-Alike (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Decay Partner (c) Jennifer Harris, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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