Rare Artomyces pyxidatus – crown-tipped coral – at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen

In autumn 2023, during her mycological survey at the RSPB Strumpshaw Fen woodland, my daughter spotted a coral fungus at Basecamp, which she identified as Artomyces pyxidatus by it’s macroscopic features alone. During her survey she also spotted this crown-tipped coral fungus – also known as the candelabra coral – at The Dell.

Since her survey, we have spotted this fungus a number of times on the same section of trunk – Strumpshaw Fen Slime Moulds & Fungi – 28th July 2024, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen – Fuligo septica & some fungi – September 2024 and RSPB Strumpshaw Fen Woodland Slime Moulds & Fungi – October 2024

The photo below was taken during her survey in September 2023.

Not initially fully understanding the rarity of the fungus (the survey was for her DofE Award), it wasn’t until this summer that there was an opportunity to get a formal confirmation. On a visit to the reserve in June, we noticed that this fungus’ fruiting bodies were growing again on the now rapidly decaying trunk. A moth event was concluding so we chatted with the staff about this rare fungus and they gave us permission to take one of the fruiting bodies away for identification by spore print.

We took the fruiting body below for identification.

We had previously discussed this fungus with the Norfolk Fungus Study Group and one of the other members had concurred that macroscopically it did look like Artomyces pyxidatus rather than the similar fungus Ramaria stricta, but that to be conclusive, a spore print was needed. If the spore print was white it would be Artomyces pyxidatus.

The daughter set up the fruiting body under a beaker so that it would not dry out too quickly.

And the next morning we had a white spore print!

We felt that spore print was unsatisfactory on the plastic lid so we placed the fungus directly on the black card.

Later in the evening.

And the next day.

The Norfolk Fungus Study Group has confirmed that this is the second Norfolk record for Artomyces pyxidatus !

Field Record: Artomyces pyxidatus

• Species: Artomyces pyxidatus (crown-tipped coral, candelabra coral)
• Location: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk (VC27)
• Substrate: Dead wood
• Timeline: First noted September 2023; monitored 2024; confirmed June 2025
• Identification Method: Macroscopic features and white spore print
• Status: Second Norfolk record (confirmed by NFSG)