Clavulina vinaceo-cervina var. avellanea
(Berk. & M.A. Curtis) R.H. Petersen
Fruitbodies: Coralloid, 20-70 mm tall, sparsely to moderately branched, forming loose, open clusters. Branches slender, subcylindrical to slightly flattened, often irregularly arranged. Overall colour warm brown, vinaceous‑brown, hazel‑brown, or fawn, sometimes with faint pinkish or purplish undertones. Texture brittle, snapping cleanly.
Apex: Rounded or bluntly forked; tips usually paler brown or cream‑brown.
Colour: Hazel‑brown, vinaceous‑brown, fawn, or pale chestnut; drying paler, sometimes with a slight pinkish cast.
Surface: Smooth to faintly pruinose; older branches may show slight wrinkling or shallow folds but never strongly rugose.
Base: Short, compact, whitish to pale brown; not distinctly stalked.
Size: Clusters 20-70 mm tall and 10-40 mm wide.
Growth habit:
Solitary or in small scattered groups; often forming loose tufts rather than dense corals.
Common name: None.
Habitat: Moist, shaded forest; among leaf litter, humus, or moss, often in mixed broadleaf–podocarp forest.
Substrate: Soil or humus; occasionally on well‑rotted wood.
Distribution: Described from North America. Reports from Australia and New Zealand are uncertain, and local brownish Clavulina material may represent related but undescribed taxa rather than true C. vinaceo‑cervina var. avellanea.
Season: Autumn.
Biostatus: Uncertain in New Zealand (likely misapplied; local brown forms may represent different species).
Edible: Unknown; not recomended.
Spore print: White.
