NATURE NOTES FROM ACADIA

THE CORAL MUSHROOMS

The Clavarias or Coral Mushrooms began to appear in our woods in late August and are now (September) to be found in fair numbers. Plants in this group are either simple club forms or branched forms which resemble coral growth. In their color there is a wide range - white, yellow, pink, brown, lavender, gray, and combinations of these and other colors. When young and tender all the species are said to be edible.

The most abundant of the coral fungi seems to be the beautiful creamy-tan Clavaria formosa - the species name coming from "formosus," meaning finely formed or beautiful. Some of its close clusters grow six inches in height and the clumps are fully as wide. Often many of these plants are to be found growing in a small area. It is this species which the farmers of Germany collect and sell in the markets.

The low-growing, snowy-white Clavaria cristata is not infrequently trampled down on the island trails. This species is easily identified by the crests of minute teeth (usually less than one mm. long) at the tips of the branches. A number of the bright yellow candle-like coral fungi (Clavaria fusiformis) have been found. These attractive cylindrical or flattened clubs, though not coral-like in appearance, are true, though less specialized, Clavarias.

Clavaria stricta resembles C. formosa in size, but the former grows only upon decaying wood. Two large pale yellowish clusters were discovered recently near a woods road. Most coral fungi grow on the ground.

The lateness of appearance of these beautiful mushrooms is compensated for by their abundance. In low damp woods one who has eyes that "see" could easily pick a bushel of them.

- Margaret Stupka