Mushroom Monday: Small Club Coral (Calocera cornea)

Mushroom Monday: Small Club Coral (Calocera cornea)

Among the fascinating fungi that decompose dead wood, the Small Club Coral (Calocera cornea) stands out for its distinctive appearance and important ecological role. This diminutive member of the Dacrymycetaceae family plays a vital part in breaking down fallen branches and small limbs in forest ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Calocera cornea presents as a small, bright fungus ranging from 0.12 to 0.71 inches in height (3-18mm) and only 0.08 inches in width. Its cylindrical form typically displays a rounded to pointed apex, somewhat resembling a tiny orange candle flame. The surface appears smooth and slick, showing vibrant orange to orangish-yellow coloration. While it looks more like a tiny club fungus, its flesh is distinctly firm but gelatinous with a yellow color. As these fungi age, their tips often shrivel and develop a darker orangish-brown hue. At the base, each fruiting body connects to the substrate through a small pad of white mycelium.

Habitat and Growth Patterns

This species favors dead hardwood, particularly fallen branches and sticks up to approximately two inches in diameter. They typically appear scattered to gregarious (growing in groups) across their chosen substrate, often emerging after periods of rainfall. As a wood decay fungus, Calocera cornea contributes to the decomposition process that returns nutrients to the forest ecosystem.

Scientific Details

For those interested in microscopic features, Calocera cornea possesses distinctive Y-shaped basidia (spore-producing structures), which is a characteristic feature of its genus. The spores measure 7–10 x 3–4 micrometers and are allantoid (slightly curved and sausage-shaped).

Ecological Role

As a decomposer of dead hardwood, Calocera cornea serves an essential function in forest ecosystems. These small but efficient decomposers help break down woody debris, participating in the crucial process of nutrient cycling in woodland environments.

Similar Appearances

While the Small Club Coral might be tiny, another club-shaped fungus you might encounter in our forests is the Common Club Coral (Clavariadelphus pistillaris). Despite their similar shapes and shared role as decomposers, these fungi belong to different families and can be found in different habitats – Calocera cornea typically appears on small branches and twigs, while Clavariadelphus pistillaris is found on larger woody debris on the forest floor.

If you notice any concerning growth on or around your trees, we recommend consulting with a certified arborist. Our team at ArborTrue is always here to help assess and address any tree health issues you may encounter. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced arborists.

If you liked learning about Small Club Coral (Calocera cornea) mushrooms, check out our other Mushroom Monday posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog.  Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts.

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