Synonyms: Clavaria crocea, Clavaria vestipes, Clavariella crocea, Clavulinopsis crocea, Poria crocea, Ramaria crocea.
Common name: orange coral.
Ramariopsis crocea is a species of coral fungus that grows in clusters of yellow to orange-yellow, slender, and branching stems. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from spring to fall, often on the ground in wooded areas, particularly under oak and pine trees. The fungus is relatively small, reaching heights of 2-6 cm, with branches that are 0.5-1.5 mm thick. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as woodland edges and clearings.
The fungus Ramariopsis crocea was observed in East and Central Texas, specifically during a mushroom walk with the Gulf States Mycological Society. On November 13, 2021, specimens were collected at the Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary in Cleveland, Texas. The coral mushrooms were found to be vibrant yellow-orange in color, with branched stems and tips. They were typically 2-5 cm tall and grew in clusters on the ground, often near deciduous trees. The habitat consisted of mixed hardwood forests with rich soil and abundant leaf litter. Further observations revealed that Ramariopsis crocea tends to fruit in late fall, with peak activity occurring from October to December. The species appears to be relatively common in East and Central Texas, with sightings reported in various counties across the region. Additional collections were made in subsequent years, confirming the presence of this fungus in the area.
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