
Crown-tipped Coral Fungus
Artomyces pyxidatus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artomyces_pyxidatus
Overview
Artomyces pyxidatus is a coral fungus that is commonly called crown coral or crown-tipped coral fungus. Its most characteristic feature is the crown-like shape of the tips of its branches. The epithet pyxidatus means "box-like"—a reference to this shape.
Crown-tipped Coral Fungus faces significant decline due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation, which destroys the decaying hardwood substrates it depends on for survival. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns further threaten this species by disrupting the specific moisture conditions required for fruiting body development and spore dispersal.
Habitat
In eastern North America, A. pyxidatus appears on decaying wood from June to September. It is widespread but uncommon in Western Europe. They are also widely found in the pine forest of northeastern India, known as the "eight sisters of India".
Other threatened species in Auriscalpiaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Crown-tipped Coral Fungus classified as Endangered?
Where does Crown-tipped Coral Fungus live?
What are the main threats to Crown-tipped Coral Fungus?
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