Ramaria fennica

Morphological Features:

Basidiocarp composed of branched fruiting structures emerging from a thickened, fleshy base. Its height may slightly exceed 10 cm in some instances, and the lateral spread of its clusters can be similarly extensive. Throughout development, specimens of this species initially appear lilac, subsequently darken to deep purple, and finally fade to watery lilac-ochre hues or more distinctly ochre tones. A single specimen may bear several primary branches giving rise to secondary ones, which are generally smooth; the branch tips may be simple or occasionally somewhat truncate.

Hymenium situated on the external surface of the branches, entirely smooth and matching the color of the entire structure.

Stipe formed by a distinct fleshy thickening from which the branches arise; it is usually the same color as the rest of the basidiocarp or paler, sometimes even whitish.

Flesh fragile, lacking firmness, brittle, and paler in color than the external surface; its odor is faint and its taste bitter.

Habitat:

We have located this species on the ground in broadleaf forests, among beech and oak trees. It was observed during autumn, although we do not rule out its presence at other times of the year. It should be considered a rare species worthy of protection.

Observations:

There is some confusion regarding these lilac-toned species; this species has often been synonymized with Ramaria fumigata, which possesses a white stipe and much more showy lilac branches. There are also certain Clavaria species that may be confused with it due to their coloration: Clavaria zollingeri, which grows in grasslands and is more markedly heliophilic; Alloclavaria purpurea, a fragile and translucent species; or Clavulina amethystina. All of these lack the fleshy basal thickening characteristic of Ramaria species.