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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, which is smaller and does not grow in tight clusters (it also features spores that are more ellipsoid).

Clavaria fusiformis is a synonym.

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; subglobose or broadly ellipsoid; 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.


This site contains no information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.


 

Clavulinopsis fusiformis

Clavulinopsis fusiformis

Clavulinopsis fusiformis

Clavulinopsis fusiformis
Spores

Clavulinopsis fusiformis
Basidia

Clavulinopsis fusiformis
Clamp connection



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Cite this page as:

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