Basidia: usually 2-spored.
Habitat & Distribution: Often in very large troops in woods, especially under beech.
General Information: This fungus is recognised by the peculiar shape and dull colours which conceal it so well amongst the dead leaves and woodland debris; in the shade of the tree-canopy it is easily overlooked. Craterellus sinuosus (Fries) Fries is a much smaller species with dirty ochraceous fertile surface and brownish grey cap and stem.
‘Cornucopioides’ means like (oides) a horn of plenty, a familiar object in mediaeval paintings as part of heathen festivities full and overflowing either with fruit or wine, or both!
Illustrations: Hvass 186; LH 59; NB 1231; WD 834.
Plate 55. Fleshy but leathery fungi: Spores pale-coloured and borne on irregular wrinkles
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