Ramaria concolor (Corner) Petersen Fruit body up to 14cm high, l0cm wide, several major branches dividing into numerous erect smaller branches with longish dichotomous tips; branches pale ochraceous salmon to tan, becoming darker in age, tips similar or some shade of pale tan or ochre tan. Base a white felty basal mat of mycelium and the tangle of stout rhizomorphic strands penetrating into the earth, from which a variable stem up to 1.5cm long branches almost immediately; stem cinnamon- or clay-colored, becoming more reddish brown or deep chocolate. Odor strongly of anise or aromatic. Taste mildly bitter to mildly acrid. Spores ellipsoid, ornamented with very obscure low ridges or warts, 7.8-10 x 3.7-4.8µ. Clamps present. Habitat singly or in dense clusters on rotting wood, deciduous or coniferous. Common in eastern North America, occasional from Montana westward to the Pacific. Season July-September. Edibility not known -avoid, many Ramarias can cause stomach upset. |