commonly known false coral species fungus family fruit bodies coral like branches narrow base widening like fan splitting numerous flattened wedge like tips whitish young fungus matures common names fungus refers odor likened widely distributed uncommon species found asia australia europe north_america south_america fruits ground coniferous mixed forest taxonomy species described italian naturalist transferred genus species synonyms resulting generic transfers taxonomic history including christian historical synonyms published christian published species use illegitimate species known despite coral like appearance closely related fungi distinctly like appearance specific epithet derived latin means having shape hand known common names false coral called branch ear work description fruit body coral like repeatedly branched central stalk reaching dimensions tall branches fruit body end fan shaped tips frequently fringed branches fruit body initially whitish color gradually turn gray brown maturity tips remain whitish paler lower parts flesh tough hymenium fertile spore bearing tissue occurs surfaces fruit body odor fruit body unpleasant resembling old water cheese called candidate fungus forest unpleasant odor drying fruit bodies edible deposit spores purple brown brown viewed microscopic spores appear purple angular fine spines measuring long overall dimensions spores contain oil drops basidia spore bearing cells measure thick long flesh deep blue drop potassium solution applied fungus contains pigment acid somewhat similar appearance distinguished branches upward branch tips flattened instead like lack odor north american species smaller spores variable color darker species distinguished non flesh texture branch tips habitat distribution species forming associations conifers fruit bodies grow singly scattered groups ground coniferous mixed forest grassy fields preference noted moist ground locations woodland paths uncommon species fruit bodies difficult blend surroundings species found asia including china iran japan vietnam europe north_america south_america brazil colombia recorded australia fiji fruit bodies consumed species uses fruit bodies mushroom depending colors ranging brown dark grayish green greenish brown obtained process light brown color produced
Thelephora palmata