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Artomyces pyxidatus

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Artomyces pyxidatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Russulales
Family: Auriscalpiaceae
Genus: Artomyces
Species:
A. pyxidatus
Binomial name
Artomyces pyxidatus
(Pers.) Jülich (1982)
Synonyms[1]
  • Clavaria pyxidata Pers. (1794)
  • Merisma pyxidatum (Pers.) Spreng. (1827)
  • Clavaria coronata Schwein. (1832)
  • Clavaria petersii Berk. & M.A.Curtis (1873)
  • Clavicorona coronata (Schwein.) Doty (1947)
  • Clavicorona pyxidata (Pers.) Doty (1947)
Artomyces pyxidatus
View the Mycomorphbox template that generates the following list
Smooth hymenium
No distinct cap
Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable
Lacks a stipe
Spore print is white
Ecology is saprotrophic
Edibility is edible

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.[2]

Description

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The hard, coral-like fruiting bodies reach 4–10 centimetres (1+12–4 in) tall.[3] The colour ranges from cream to semi-tan.[4] The branches rise in ringlike arrangements resembling a crown.[4] Basidia and basidiospores are produced on the surfaces of the branches. The spore print is white.[3]

The sesquiterpene compounds pyxidatols A-C, tsuicoline E and omphadiol have been obtained from the liquid culture of this fungus.[5]

Similar species

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DNA evidence and microscopy indicates that the species is closely related to members of the genera Russula and Lentinellus, as well as Auriscalpium vulgare.[4] Artomyces piperatus is found on the North American West Coast.[3] Other similar species include Clavulina avellanea, C. cristata, C. divaricata, C. piperata, and C. taxophila.[4] Additionally, Ramaria stricta is similar but lacks crown-like tips.[3]

Distribution and habitat

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In eastern North America, A. pyxidatus appears on decaying wood from June to September.[3] It can be observed throughout Northern Canada during the growing season. In Britain, it was recorded in 2011, almost 116 years after its previous reliable report, a collection made by mycologist Carleton Reale on 20 October 1886. Two subsequent records have been provided in Britain since 2011; one by Yvonne Davidson in Kent in 2018, and one by Cameron Ambler in East Sussex in 2021. Found in Kent in 2023[6] 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".[citation needed]

Uses

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Although usually found in insubstantial quantities,[7] these fungi are considered edible raw,[2] but are better cooked. According to one guide, it is best served when fried with chopped potatoes.[8]

The fungus are known to be served as meal amongst the tribal groups of Northeast India since time immemorial.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Artomyces pyxidatus (Pers.) Jülich 1982". MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
  2. ^ a b Henrici A, Mahler N (2012). "Artomyces pyxidatus refound in Britain". Field Mycology. 14 (1): 31–32. doi:10.1016/j.fldmyc.2012.12.009.
  3. ^ a b c d e Audubon (2023). Mushrooms of North America. Knopf. pp. 129, 152. ISBN 978-0-593-31998-7.
  4. ^ a b c d Trudell, Steve; Ammirati, Joe (2009). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press Field Guides. Portland, OR: Timber Press. pp. 250–251. ISBN 978-0-88192-935-5.
  5. ^ Zheng Y-B, Lu C-H, Zheng Z-H, Lin X-J, Su W-J, Shen Y-M (2008). "New sesquiterpenes from edible fungus Clavicorona pyxidata". Helvetica Chimica Acta. 91 (11): 2174–80. doi:10.1002/hlca.200890235.
  6. ^ Austin, Yvette (16 November 2023). "Ecologist finds rare form of fungus in Kent". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  7. ^ Miller Jr., Orson K.; Miller, Hope H. (2006). North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi. Guilford, CN: FalconGuide. p. 346. ISBN 978-0-7627-3109-1.
  8. ^ Meuninck, Jim (2017). Foraging Mushrooms Oregon: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Mushrooms. Falcon Guides. p. 80. ISBN 978-1-4930-2669-2.
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