Artomyces pyxidatus

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]

Artomyces pyxidatus
Scientific classification
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 Mycological characteristics
	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

Description

The hard, coral-like fruiting bodies reach 4–10 centimetres (1+1⁄2–4 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

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

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

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]}