A striking, vividly coloured coral fungus forming repeatedly branched, antler-like fruitbodies in shades of purple, lilac, and violet. Although widespread globally, it is rarely collected in New Zealand and may be overlooked due to its sporadic fruiting and preference for undisturbed forest litter.

The New Zealand species is not genetically the same as the Northern Hemisphere species. A new name has been proposed for this species which is Clavaria lilacina.

Fruitbodies: Highly branched, coral‑like, forming dense tufts with numerous upright, cylindrical branches. Branching typically dichotomous or irregular, tips rounded or bluntly pointed.
Colour: Distinctive violet to lilac‑purple when fresh; may fade to pinkish‑lilac or greyish‑lilac with age or dry weather. Branch tips often paler.
Surface: Smooth, matte to slightly glossy; flesh brittle..
Size: 40-80 mm tall.
Base: Narrow, whitish to pale lilac, sometimes slightly thickened where attached to substrate.