Alloclavaria purpurea is a coral fungus commonly known as the purple coral, or the purple fairy club. Formerly known as Clavaria purpurea, it has been moved to its own genus as a result of phylogenetic analysis.

Description

The fruiting body of Alloclavaria purpurea is made of numerous slender cylindrical spindles that may grow to a height of 12 cm, with individual spindles being 2–6 millimeters thick. The color is purple or lavender, although the color fades to tan in older specimens. A white mycelium is present at the base. The spore print is white. Similar species include Clavaria fumosa and C. zollingeri.

Distribution and habitat

Fruit bodies are found in spruce-fir forests. It can be found from October to December on the West Coast of North America, and July–October further inland.

Uses

It is reportedly edible but insubstantial.