Ramaria fumigata
Local name: grålila fingersvamp
Ramaria fumigata, known as grålila fingersvamp, is a distinctive coral fungus characterized by its grayish-purple branched fruiting bodies that resemble miniature antlers or fingers. This saprotrophic species plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Gomphales
Family
Gomphaceae
Genus
Ramaria
Ramaria fumigata belongs to the family Gomphaceae, order Gomphales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Ramaria fumigata, known as grålila fingersvamp, is a distinctive coral fungus characterized by its grayish-purple branched fruiting bodies that resemble miniature antlers or fingers. This saprotrophic species plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. The fungus forms intricate networks with tree roots, contributing to forest health through mycorrhizal associations.
Ramaria fumigata faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation, which destroys the specific old-growth forest conditions this fungus requires. Additional pressures include air pollution, climate change affecting forest ecosystems, and overcollection by mycologists and foragers.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Ramaria fumigata thrives in mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly in areas with rich humus layers and stable moisture conditions. The species is typically found among moss-covered logs and in undisturbed forest floor environments where complex fungal communities have had time to establish.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Ramaria fumigata faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation, which destroys the specific old-growth forest conditions this fungus requires. Additional pressures include air pollution, climate change affecting forest ecosystems, and overcollection by mycologists and foragers.
Air pollution and acid deposition
Habitat loss and forest fragmentation
Loss of old-growth forest characteristics
Climate change impacts on forest ecosystems
Overcollection
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Ramaria fumigata (Ramaria fumigata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/gralila-fingersvamp