The _true_ "coral fungus"--_Clavaria coralloides_--of our woods resembles _C. formosa_ in general shape, but its color is _white_, or perhaps pale gray. Its thick stem is hollow, and its uneven, crowded branches are brittle and flesh-white. Its odor is like that of the _Agaricus campestris_, and it possesses a sweet, pleasant flavor. Cordier recommends it as eatable even when raw. This species is in great favor in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, where it is desiccated for winter use.
Thickly branched from a stout pale base, the dense branchlets being tipped with two or three minute teeth.
=Color:= Saffron yellow. Tips generally darker and more rosy.
[Illustration: C.flava C.stricta C.umbrina C.rugosa C.amethystina
_Clavaria fastigiata_ is a somewhat dwarf variety, usually found on lawns and pastures, seldom reaching a height of more than two inches. In general aspect it resembles Fig. 3 in Plate 31. It is of a yellow color, very densely branched from its short, slender stem close to the ground, the branches mostly terminating at the same height.
[Sidenote: =White-spored species edible=]
All of the above-mentioned species, except _C. formosa_, have _white spores_, and while none of the genus is considered poisonous, though some are so bitter and of such tough consistency as to make them unfit for food, it is generally conceded among the authorities that _all white-spored_ Clavarias _are certainly edible_. The spores are easily obtained by simply laying the fungus upon a dark surface and excluding the air, as directed in a later chapter.
The various forms assumed by the Clavarei are indicated in Plate 31.
Fig. 1 is _C. flava_; 2. _C. stricta_; 3. _C. umbrina_; 4. _C. rugosa_; 5. _C. amethystina_. Any specimen bearing resemblance to any of these in form, and which is found to have _white_ spores, may be eaten without fear.
The Clavaria forms a most inviting relish by the simple process of frying in butter, with seasoning to taste. They have the advantage of being quite free from "fungus-worms," and in the larger species are occasionally so plentiful that a half-bushel may be gathered in a few moments.
Another species bearing the general shape suggested in Plate 31, fig. 1, is the _C. botrytis_. It has a thick, fleshy trunk and swollen branches. Its substance is very brittle; color creamy-yellow, with red-tipped branchlets. It is found in woods.