Artomyces pyxidatus
Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox Template:Mycomorphbox
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.<ref name="Henrici 2012"/>
Description
The hard, coral-like fruiting bodies reach Template:Convert tall.<ref name="audu" /> The colour ranges from cream to semi-tan.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> The branches rise in ringlike arrangements resembling a crown.<ref name=":0" /> Basidia and basidiospores are produced on the surfaces of the branches. The spore print is white.<ref name="audu" />
The sesquiterpene compounds pyxidatols A-C, tsuicoline E and omphadiol have been obtained from the liquid culture of this fungus.<ref name="Zheng 2008" />
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.<ref name=":0" /> Artomyces piperatus is found on the North American West Coast.<ref name="audu" /> Other similar species include Clavulina avellanea, C. cristata, C. divaricata, C. piperata, and C. taxophila.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, Ramaria stricta is similar but lacks crown-like tips.<ref name="audu">Template:Cite book</ref>
Distribution and habitat
In eastern North America, A. pyxidatus appears on decaying wood from June to September.<ref name="audu" /> 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<ref name="Austin2023">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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".Template:Citation needed
Uses
Although usually found in insubstantial quantities,<ref name="Miller 2006">Template:Cite book</ref> these fungi are considered edible raw,<ref name="Henrici 2012" /> but are better cooked. According to one guide, it is best served when fried with chopped potatoes.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The fungus are known to be served as meal amongst the tribal groups of Northeast India since time immemorial.Template:Citation needed