Clavulinopsis fusiformis

[ Basidiomycetes > Agaricales > Clavariaceae > Clavulinopsis . . . ]

by Michael Kuo

Growing in tight, dense clusters, Clavulinopsis fusiformis is widely distributed, but more common in the northern half of North America. It is distinguished from look-alikes by its clustered growth pattern, its height (5-15 cm), and its bitter taste. Be sure to compare your specimens to Clavulinopsis laeticolor.

Field guides record Clavulinopsis fusiformis as edible. I have not tried it.

Description:

Ecology: Presumably saprobic; growing in dense clusters with fused bases, or occasionally gregariously; in woods under hardwoods or conifers, sometimes in grass; summer and fall; widely distributed but more common in northern North America.

Fruiting Body: 5-15 cm high; up to 1.5 cm wide; cylindrical and unbranched; often flattening; sometimes grooved; dry; bright or pale yellow, or orange-yellow; fading with age; white at the extreme base; usually with a somewhat pointed tip.

Flesh: Yellow; thin.

Odor and Taste: Odor not distinctive; taste bitter.

Chemical Reactions: Surface negative with KOH.

Spore Print: White.

Microscopic Features: Spores 5-9 x 4.5-9 µ; broadly elliptical or subglobose; smooth; with a prominent apiculus 1-2 µ long. Basidia 40-65 µ long; clavate; basally clamped; 4-spored. Clamp connections present.

REFERENCES: (Sowerby, 1799) Corner, 1967. (Fries, 1821; Saccardo, 1888; Corner, 1950; Petersen, 1968; Smith, Smith & Weber, 1981; Phillips, 1991/2005; Lincoff, 1992; Barron, 1999; McNeil, 2006; Miller & Miller, 2006.) Herb. Kuo 09110410, 01150605.

Clavaria fusiformis is a synonym.

Further Online Information:

Clavulinopsis fusiformis at Roger's Mushrooms
Clavulinopsis fusiformis at Fungi of Poland

© MushroomExpert.Com

Cite this page as:

Kuo, M. (2007, April). Clavulinopsis fusiformis. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/clavulinopsis_fusiformis.html