Clavaria fragilis

Clavaria fragilis (Holmskjord) Fries (syn = Clavaria vermicularis), also known as fairy fingers or white worm coral, is a saprobic coral fungi that can be commonly found on the forest floor.

Clavaria fragilis growing in a cluster within its natural habitat.
Figure 1. Clavaria fragilis growing in a cluster within its natural habitat.

Clavaria fragilis (Holmskjord) Fries (syn = Clavaria vermicularis)

Ecology and Morphology: Clavaria fragilis (Holmskjord) Fries (syn = Clavaria vermicularis), also known as fairy fingers or white worm coral, is a saprobic coral fungi that can be commonly found on the forest floor  (Figure 1). Fruiting bodies grow in clusters, are unbranched and are slightly tan on the apex of the basidiocarp. Basidiocarps are thin, 1-5mm wide, and are easily broken (hence the species name). Basidiospores are smooth and ellipsoid. Hyphae do not have clamp connections. Overall a small coral fungi that contrasts with the forest floor and is hard to miss.

Taxonomy:

  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Division: Basidiomycota
  • Class: Agaricomycetes
  • Order: Agaricales
  • Family: Clavariaceae
  • Genus: Clavaria
  • Species: fragilis

 

Literature:

 

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • bonito lab collections blog,
  • bonito lab
  • follow us on instagram
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).