I don't know a thing about fungus or lichen except that I love Morels. However, in my near-daily wildflower photo expeditions I see lots of fungi. Here is one I've not seen before:
I know very little about coral fungi, and I'm not in your region ... but this really does look like Clavulina cristata, because of the colour, the branch tips, the overall shape, and the fact that Ramarias tend to having a heavy base, and this looks like it does not.
That looks like Artomyces pyxidatus (used to be "Clavicorona pyxidata") to me, since it has "crowned" branch tips, and grows on wood. http://www.mushroomexpert.com/artomyces_pyxidatus.html Best wishes, Michael
Thank you Michael. After looking at your write-up and your photos, (link), I believe we have a match. I returned to the area and found another specimen that better shows the "crown."
Interesting! Suddenly I'm wondering whether I *have* actually seen Artomyces here - will keep eyes peeled. Sad about the name change, Clavicorona seems way more apt :-)
