Ramaria

TRIAL KEY TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIES

A microscopic key to selected common species known from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Northern California.

Prepared for the Pacific Northwest Key Council By Ron Exeter USDI, Bureau of Land Management Salem, Oregon

Introduction

Ramaria, the coral fungi. This genus is divided into 4 sub-genera. Two of the sub-genera (Lentoramaria and Echinoramaria) are either lignicolous or occur in duff, often with mycelial threads binding the substrate closely to the base of the basidiocarp. The other two sub-genera (Ramaria and Laeticolora) are generally not lignicolous nor rarely bind the substrate to the basidiocarp. Generally Lentoramaria and Echinoramaria are small and simple branched and often arise from a single thin stipe or have multiple stipes arising from the duff. The sub-genus Echinoramaria has echinate spores and generally occurs in duff. The sub-genus Lentoramaria generally occurs on wood (or duff) and has smooth or warty spores. However, some warts can be large and could be mistaken as small spines as could small spines be mistaken for large warts.

The sub-genus, R. Ramaria can be identified by the striate spores. Thus, it is almost impossible to identify much of this group without a microscope. This sub-genus generally has massive stipes, an amyloid reaction in stipe tissues, and the basidiocarp is often a pale color, white or cream and with concolorous apices or brightly colored (red tones) apices. R. botrytoides (R. laeticolora) could be mistaken for this group but does not have striate spores and does not have an amyloid stipe base.

The fourth and largest of the sub-genera is Laeticolora. This group of fleshy fungi, just like the other members of the genus is a difficult group to identify without the aid of a microscope and micrometer. This sub-genus is the only sub-genus that contains species with both clamped and non-clamped basidia. All of the other sub- genera have clamped basidia. The sub-genus R. laeticolora can be split almost in half by determining the presence or absence of clamps. For this determination alone, a compound microscope is needed. There are several species that are morphologically similar but can be separated by the presence or absence of clamp connections. Spore size also plays a key role in the identification of the genus Ramaria.

Locating and finding clamps can be rewarding! However, just how long does one look for clamps when they are not present? After this initial determination, other species may be separated out by the unique size of their spores.

Color plays an important role in the identification of these groups. As with all fleshy fungi, the colors of the basidiocarp can fade or minor colors may become dominant as the fungus ages. Almost all of the Ramaria's 2 become brown as they mature. Most Ramaria keys at some point, separate out species into 3 color groups; 1) white to cream, 2) yellow and 3) red or orange. It is important to note color of basidiocarps at the time of the collection. Always note color of the stipe, branches and apices. Some species may have what is called a yellow belly-band. This only can occur on non-yellow species. One must also be aware that some species can be different colors at different stages in the life cycle. Some very young, immature collections of salmon or orange branched species with yellow apices MAY appear as a yellow species if the branches have not begun to elongate. Also, some salmon to orange branched species that have a yellow belly-band can become mostly yellow as they age.

The size and morphology of the stipe can also be indicative of certain groups. Is the stipe: massive (as compared to the basidiocarp)? Is the stipe; single, fasciculate or compound? Is the context of the stipe fleshy- fibrous or is it cartilaginous and/or gelatinous? Does the stipe contain a "rusty root"? A rusty root, if present, can be found by cutting the stipe longitudinally. A rusty root is a band of brown contextual hyphae present in a radially sectioned stipe. It is often arched upward and can vary in size. It may be present in the bottom 1-2 mm. of the stipe or it may extend upward for 1-2 cm.

Use of any chemical tests should be preformed on the contextual hyphae of the stipe. This key minimizes chemical use. Only IKI (or Meltzers) and FSW (ferric sulfate-10% aqueous solution) are needed. Several chemicals often used in Ramaria keys (phenol and analine) are treated as hazardous materials and can be difficult to obtain.

The following keys and information was compiled from literature written mostly by Dr. Ronald Petersen, Dr. Ronald Petersen and Scates, and Marr and Stuntz. I have tried to include all of the species that are known to occur in the Pacific Northwest, including Northern California and Northern Idaho.

Thanks to Dr. Petersen and Catherine Scates for all the work and publications on Ramaria, Dr. Lorelei Norvell for my informal education on fungi and to my college professors; Dr. Dennis Desjardin, Dr. Joey Spatafora, Dr. Wicklow-Howard and late Dr. Harry Thiers.

Table of Contents

Key to Ramaria...... Page 3 Key to subgenus Laeticolora ...... Page 4 Key to subgenus Ramaria...... Page 16 Key to subgenus Lentoramaria...... Page 17 Key to subgenus Echinoramaria...... page 19 Key to Subgenus Laeticolora species reacting with FSW...... Page 20 Key to Subgenus Laeticolora species exhibiting a yellow color band on upper stipe or lower branches...... Page 21 List of species included in Key to Ramaria...... Page 24 Bibliography...... Page 26

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Key to the Ramaria of the Pacific Northwest By Ron Exeter January 28, 2004 1A. Spores echinulate; clamp connections present; generally fruiting in duff; rhizomorphs monomitic; basidiocarps mostly small, ochraceous, brown or dingy colored; fairly uncommon ------Key to Ramaria subgenus Echinoramaria------Page 16 1B. Spores smooth, warted or striate; clamp connections present or lacking; habitat generally terricolous, lignicolous or in duff; rhizomorphs mostly dimitic or monomitic; basidiocarps small to large, dingy to bright colored------2

2A. Spores smooth or warted, never striate; clamp connections present; habitat lignicolous or duff; rhizomorphs dimitic in most species, generally well developed; basidiocarps small to medium, often dingy brown shades colored------Key to Ramaria subgenus Lentoramaria ------Page 14 2B. Spores smooth, warted or striate; clamp connection present or lacking; habitat generally terricolous; rhizomorphs generally not extensively developed; basidiocarps medium to large, often shades of yellow, red, orange, cream to dingy brown------3

3A. Spores striate, average spore length generally greater than11um; clamp connections present; context of stipe usually amyloid, reaction often slow; basidiocarps often w/massive bases; basidiocarps often cream colored with terminal branches concolorous or reddish tinged------Key to Ramaria subgenus Ramaria------Page 13 3B. Spores smooth or most often warted, average spore length generally less than 11um; clamp connections present or lacking; context of stipe amyloid in a few species, majority of species non-amyloid; basidiocarps with small to massive bases; colors various------Key to Ramaria subgenus Laeticolora------Page 2

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Key to Ramaria subgenus Laeticolora By Ron Exeter

1A.Content of stipe base instantly turning blue-green with FSW (ferric sulfate-10% aqueous solution). See Key to Species Reacting with FSW (ferric sulfate-10% aqueous solution) in Stipe Base, page 17 or continue------2 1B. Content of stipe not instantly turning blue-green upon application of FSW------2

2A. Basidiocarps exhibiting a yellow color band on upper base and lower branches. See key to species exhibiting a yellow color band on upper stipe, page 18 or continue------3 2B. Basidiocarps with or without a yellow color band on upper base and lower branches.------3

3A. Basidiocarp pale yellow to cream colored and very large overall, disagreeable odor (of coal tar); stipe white to off-white, smooth, with many abortive branchlets; moderately amyloid flesh; strongly brunnescent; branches pallid light yellow when young, cream colored, becoming somewhat darker by maturity; apices yellow when young, quickly concolorous with branches; spores 7.9-10.4 x 3.6-4.3, Em=2.38, Lm=9.10; known only from Mendocino County, California R. foetida Petersen (1988a): clamped basidia are rare, no more than 1% of those observed. 3B. Not as above------4

4A. Basidia basally clamped; clamp connections often found in subhymenial and contextual hyphae ------5 4B. Basidia without basal clamps; clamp connections generally uncommon in subhymenial and contextual hyphae------page 8, lead 29

5A. Basidiocarps of predominantly lilac, violet or purple coloration at least at the stipe apex or lower branches, but sometimes over the entire exposed portion of the basidiocarp------6 5B. Not as above; basidiocarps exhibit colors other than predominantly lilac or purple------7

6A. Basidiocarp purple to reddish purple when young, remaining so or becoming ochraceous purple in age; stipe massive (up to 6 x 8cm), single, off-white, rounded at base; upper branches and apices intensely violaceous to purple; branches solid, densely branched, amethyst-lilac; spores 9- 11.2 x 4.7-5.4, Em=2.05, Lm=10.29; known from mixed coniferous forests in Northern Idaho------R. purpurissima var. purpurissima 6B. Basidiocarp purplish drab when young, becoming smoky drab, cinnamon, or dark olive in age; stipe discrete, single, tapering downward (3 x 4cm)-----R. versatilis (see key to varieties, page 3) Petersen (1987): I used the herbarium name R. gomphoides for the western N. american taxon, in reference to the color of the hymenium in gomphus clavatus. This herbarium name applies to R. v. var versatilis and var. violaceibrunnea in the Pacific Northwest.

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Key to R. versatilis varieties:

A. Apices buffy olive to tan when young; spore print deep olive buff; base white; branches pale to dull violet, during maturation color changes to reddish-gray, and finally light to dark brown to olivaceous drab when mature; spores 9-13 x 4.3-5.4, Em=2.13, Lm=10.42------R. versatilis var. violaceibrunnea (=R. fennica var. violaceibrunnea) A. Branches and apices lilac, purple to reddish tan when young; spore print "clay color"; base white; branches violaceous when young becoming cinnamon in age with maturing spores; spores 9.5-12 x 4.4-5.2, Em=2.12, Lm=10.5------R. versatilis var. versatilis

7A. Band of brown contextual hyphae present in a radially sectioned stipe (aka."Rusty root"); stipe flesh often but not always instantly turning blue green on application of FSW (ferric sulfate-10% aqueous solution)- - 8 7B. Band of brown contextual hyphae lacking in radially sectioned stipe; stipe flesh not reacting with FSW, or if so (see lead 11A) then basidiocarp with yellow apices and yellow to reddish-brown branches and brunnescent------10

8A. Stipe flesh instantly turning blue-green on application of FSW------9 8B. Stipe flesh not instantly turning blue-green on application of FSW------undescribed Ramaria spp Petersen & Scates (1988b): "I know of two taxa w/brownish stipe flesh which do not show the instantaneous color change in ferric salts. Both are clamped, neither has been described, and both are autumnal fruiters."

9A. Stipe single, context amyloid (dried specimens instantly turning dark brown); base white to orange- white, almost entirely brown when mature; branches light orange, tinged to salmon; apices concolorous; spores 7-10 x 3-4, Em=2.47, Lm=8.9------R. amyloidea 9B. Stipe usually single to compound, context non-amyloid; base white to pale yellow; branches white to cream colored to pale yellow; apices concolorous; spores 8-12 x 3.5-5, Em=2.25, Lm=9.0------R. velocimutans

10A. Stipe compound, consisting of a gelatinous mass of fused branches; gelatinous context drying about "carrot red"; base white, light yellow or light orange; branches at first light orange, developing darker shades in age, grayish-orange, pompeian yellow or agate brown, sometimes with a definite violet-gray cast; apices yellow or white to concolorous with branches; spores coarsely ornamented, 7-10 x 4.5-6, Em=1.75, Lm=8.9------R. gelatinosa var. oregonensis Doty (1944): "tobacco-like odor and taste." Marr and Stuntz (1973) note: taste, not distinguishable; odor musty sweet. 10B. Not as above------11

11A. Stipe flesh instantly turning blue-green on application of FSW; stipe mostly single, white or bruising brown, covered with white tomentum, context may be spongy but not gelatinous; immature branches "maize yellow", maturing yellowish or red-brown; apices retaining "maize yellow", eventually concolorous with branches; any part of the basidiocarp bruising brown or vinescent, immediately when cut; spores 9.5-14 x 4.2-6.4, Em=2.29, Lm=11.76------R. testaceo-flava (= R. testacesflava var. brunnea) Doty (1944): smallest branches solid, larger ones hollow. 11B. Not as above------12

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 6 12A. Basidiocarp white to pale yellow overall; spore Em averaging 3.13 and average spore length 13.28; stipe white, smooth, usually with a massive base, without abortive branchlets; weakly to strongly brunnescent where handled or rubbed; branches white to pallid yellow, cream buff; apices white where protected, pallid greenish-yellow, straw-yellow where exposed; spores 11.6-15.8 x 4.0-5.0, Em=3.13, Lm=13.28. Vernal species known from high altitudes (5000 ft.) in the Sierra Nevada's and Northern Idaho ------R. thiersii 12B. Not as above------13

13A. Basidiocarp predominately orange to red to salmon colored------14 13B. Basidiocarp predominately yellow to cream colored, lacking orange to red tones in branches------21

14A. Spores long (11-16), averaging about 12 or more; Em often 2.50 or greater------15 14B. Spores usually shorter, averaging about 12 or less or flesh amyloid; Em often 2.50 or less------16

15A. Stipe broadly conical, small abortive branches frequently diverging from the upper base, white to pale yellow; branches and apices light orange; spore width averages 4.5, spores 11-15 x 3-5, Em=2.98, Lm=13.4------R. largentii 15B. Stipe bluntly acute or obconical, without abortive branchlets, white below, upward becoming bright yellow to golden yellow, fading in age to flat yellow; branches pink-flesh to salmon colored; apices bright orange when fresh, fading in age to concolorous with upper branches; spore averages longer and wider than R. largentii, spores 12.6-16.3 x 4.8-6.3, Em=2.57, Lm=13.73------R. distinctissima var. americana Petersen (1988a): The only taxon with spores as long as those of R. distinctissima var. americana included by Marr and Stuntz (1973) is R. largentii. The colors of that species, however, are much paler, as reported by Marr and Stuntz. Nonetheless, the stipe shows pale yellow coloration, and the branches pallid salmon to pallid pinkish-salmon shades, so the collections reported to them could be faded or ill-colored specimens of this taxon. Petersen (1989) includes this species in his key to taxa exhibiting yellow color band ("bellyband") on upper stipe.

16A. Base flesh amyloid; branches pallid salmon, pastel salmon-buff to yellow; apices yellow------17 16B. Base flesh in-amyloid; branches peach, salmon, orange, to orange-yellow; apices concolorous with branches or yellow------19

17A. Spore length generally < 9.0, spore width generally < 4.0; odor strong, spicy, vaguely of anise; stipe single, sometimes with a few abortive branchlets, weakly watery-brunnescent where handled, tomentum covering of stipe well developed; branches pallid salmon, opaque, often flushed ruddy in age; apices light clear yellow when young, fading slightly by maturity; spores 7.6-8.6 x 3.2-3.9, Em= 2.24, Lm=8.20; known from north-central California. (see notes under key to varieties R. cystidiophora. lead #21A)------R. cystidiophora var. anisata 17B. Spore length generally > 9.0; spore width generally > 4.0; otherwise other than above------18

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 7 18A. Stipe base and lower branches staining or bruising "oxblood red"; stipe single, underground portion orange-white; branches peach to salmon; apices yellow; amyloid reaction requiring up to 45 minutes; basidiocarp medium-sized; spores 9-11 x 4-5, Em= 2.37, Lm=10.2------R. maculatipes 18B. Stipe base and lower branches non-staining but base may be minutely pruinose in some areas, the pruina easily rubbed off and then weakly-brunnescent; stipe single, large to massive, abortive branchlets cauliflower-like, white to orange white; branches light orange, pallid salmon-buff to yellow, buff colored to pallid buffy yellow with hint of salmon to salmon-orange; apices crowded, light yellow to yellow------R. rubricarnata (see key to varieties)

Key to R. rubricarnata varieties:

A. Mean spore length about 10; stipe large to massive, single, often with clusters of abortive branchlets, off-white; branches pallid cream to salmon-yellow to occasionally yellow; apices pale to light yellow; spores 8.6-11.2 x 4.0-4.7, Em=2.32, Lm=9.99; autumn variety------R. rubricarnata var. rubricarnata A. Mean spore length about 11 or >; branches as above or more pallid; vernal varieties------B B. Stipe single with common clusters of abortive branchlets, white; abortive branchlets cauliflower-like, white where protected; branches salmon-orange to light salmon, short stalky; flesh salmon-orange; apices yellow to rich yellow; spores 10.4-12.2 x 4.0-5.0, Em=2.55, Lm=11.09------R. rubricarnata var. verna Petersen (1989) includes this species in his key to taxa exhibiting yellow color band on upper stipe. B. Stipe broadly tapering to a rounded base, usually with some recurved abortive stumps but not branchlets, white; branches buff colored to pallid buffy yellow with a hint of salmon, elongated; flesh muted pinkish-buff; apices dull greenish-yellow when young, maturing to light yellow; spores 9.7-14.4 x 4.0-4.7, Em=2.68, Lm=11.44------R. rubricarnata var. pallida

19A. Branches salmon, light orange to light red; apices yellow; spore length 8-13, Lm > 10; context of stipe fleshy fibrous, not gelatinous, bruising various------20 19B. Branches pale to deep orange; apices orange or yellow; spore length 6.5-10, Lm=8.1-8.3; context of stipe sub-gelatinous to rubbery, occasionally with dull violet bruised areas------R. sandaracina ( see key to varieties) Petersen (1989) includes this species in his key to taxa exhibiting yellow color band on upper stipe.

Key to R. sandaracina varieties:

A. Apices bright yellow when young; stipe compound, underground portion white; upper base and lower branches light yellow; branches pale orange, bruising dull violet; odor sweet; stipe base sub-gelatinous to rubbery; spores 6.5-9.0 x 3.5- 4.5, Em=2.26, Lm=8.6 ------R. sandaracina var. euosma A. Apices concolorous with branches; branches bright to deep orange; odor not noticeable to fabaceous; Em=2.08------B B. Basidiocarps broad, commonly wider than 8 cm; stipe base sub-gelatinous, gelatinous streaks present when cut; primary branches from a broad fasciculate to compound base; branches and apices salmon to orange; spores 7-10 x 3.5-5, Em=2.08, Lm=8.3------R. sandaracina var. chondrobasis Petersen (1989) notes: Stipes compound, fasciculate, sub-gelatinous, branches hollow. B. Basidiocarps slender, usually less than 8cm wide; stipe single, underground portion of stipe white to pale yellow, sometimes a portion of the base is slightly gelatinous; upper base and lower branches brighter yellow; branches deep orange, several primary branches arising from a single stipe, faint and small violet-grey bruising may be present; apices deep orange; spores 6.5-9.0 x 3.5-4.5, Em=2.08, Lm=8.1------R. sandaracina var. sandaracina

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 8

20A. Spore width about 5.4; stipe single and massive, subfasciculate to fasciculate, underground portion white or brownish-white; branches above substratum peach to light red to salmon colored; apices yellow when young, subconcolorous with branches in age; any part of basidiocarp staining or bruising where handled; spores coarsely warted, 9-12 x 4.5-6, Em= 1.93, Lm=10.4------R. formosa Petersen (1976) spore measurements 10.7-15.5 x 5.6-6.7, Em=2.06, Lm=12.2 20B. Spore width about 4.1; stipe single or more commonly compound, underground portion yellowish or orange-white; branches light orange to light red; apices sunflower or dark yellow or chrome orange; bruising or staining reactions slight or entirely absent; spores 8-13 x 3-5, Em=2.59, Lm=10.6------R. leptoformosa

21A. Tomentum covering of stipe well developed; acantho-dendroid gleoplerous hyphae present in the peripheral context of the stipe (freely branched and studded with lateral spurs, multi-directional, of narrow diameter, thin-walled and containing a densely cyanophilous granular protoplasm); stipe sub-fasciculate; branches and apices yellow to citron yellow; spores minutely warted, spore Em usually 2.10 to 2.45 (exception R. cystidiophora var. maculans: Em=2.95)------R. cystidiophora (see key to varieties) 21B. Not with the above combination of characters; spores smooth or warty, spore Em usually < 2.10 or > 2.55------22

Key to R. cystidiophora varities:

Marr and Stuntz (1973) note: all specimens referred to R. cystidiophora are clear, bright yellow when in prime condition. Other characteristics include subfasciculate base and white tomentum. Petersen (1986) notes: All taxa in this complex are yellow (except R. c. var. anisata), with slender stipe bases usually covered in white tomentum.

A. Consistency cartilagino-gelatinous, hyphal walls in the base gelatinizing; basidiocarps not bruising or staining; spore Em generally < 2.40------B A. Consistency fleshy-fibrous; basidiocarps brunnescent, rubribrunnescent, or scarcely bruising; spore Em generally >2.40----D B. Odor fabaceous; average spore length greater than 9.0; stipe single or fasciculate, underground portion white or yellowish-white; branches light yellow; apices maize yellow or sunflower yellow to concolorous with branches in older specimens; spores 8-11 x 3.5-5, Em=2.31, Lm=9.7------R. cystidiophora var. fabiolens B. Odor pungently sweet, similar to anise; average spore length less than 8.5------C C. Branches citron yellow, stipe long or subfasciculate, underground portion yellowish-white to pale yellow; branches buff- yellow to citron yellow; apices citron yellow; distinctive odor, similar to anise; spores 7-9 x 3-4, Em=2.22, Lm=8.0------R. cystidiophora var. cystidiophora* C. Branches pallid salmon, stipe single, slender, rooting, sometimes with a few abortive branchlets; branches pallid salmon; apices light clear yellow when young, fading by maturity; odor strong, spicy, vaguely of anise; spores 7.6-8.6 x 3.2-3.9, Em=2.24, Lm=8.20. Known from north-central California------R. cystidiophora var. anisata* D. Basidiocarp brunnescent; average spore length less than 11; stipe single or compound, underground portion white, base and lower branches brunnescent or sometimes with a faint reddish tinge; branches light yellow; apices concolorous or brighter maize or sunflower yellow; pungently sweet odor, resembling Citrus blossoms; spores 9- 13 x 3.5-5, Em=2.45, Lm=10.3------R. cystidiophora var. citronella D. Basidiocarps rubribrunnescent; average spore length greater than 11; differs mainly in color form R.c. var. cystidiophora in the staining or bruising reaction which is distinctly reddish-brown; spores 10-14 x 3.5-5.0, Em=2.95, Lm=11.8------R. cystidiophora var. maculans

* Marr and Stuntz (1973) note for R. c. var. cystidiophora: "We have not collected variety cystidiophora. Many of the macroscopic data used above were taken from Kauffman's description as quoted by Doty (1944). The microscopical data were derived from the senior author's study of the type (Mich)." They do not note any chemical or bruising reactions for these species. Petersen (1988a) notes for R. c. var. anisata: weakly watery-brunnescent and reactions to IKI as purple-green on the stipe flesh.

22A. Spores smooth; mostly vernal species; amyloid reaction often weak------23 22B. Spores warted; mostly autumnal species; amyloid reaction various------26

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23A. Spore Lm=11.50; stipe surface weakly brunnescent; stipe massive, usually with abortive branchlets 24 23B. Spore Lm=9.95-10.62; Stipe surface not brunnescent; stipe large to massive; apices usually knobby, dilated------25

24A.Stipe massive, single, rooting below humus layer, white, with common stumps; branches white to very pale yellow, cream to ivory where exposed; apices pale yellow when young, bright greenish-yellow where unprotected, usually with a blush of pink where exposed; spores 10.8-11.9 x 3.6-4.3, Em=2.84, Lm=11.49; Northern California; vernal------R. magnipes var. albidior 24B.Stipe large to massive, single, rounded at base, sometimes with abortive branchlets, white to off-white, often weakly brunnescent; branches light to clear yellow when young, in age pallid fleshy ochre to fleshy tan; apices cauliflower-like when young, white where protected, bright yellow to chartreuse-yellow where exposed, mellowing in age to buff-colored, often changing to brick red when crushed, bruised or exposed to frost; spores 9.4-13.3 x 3.2-5.0, Em=2.89, Lm=11.51; vernal------R. magnipes var. magnipes

25A. Stipe single, obtusely rounded at base, commonly with abortive branchlets, white; branches buffy yellow, pale ochraceous yellow to fleshy buff when young; apices pastel chartreuse-yellow, often blushing to onion skin pink where exposed to cold, dry air; spores 8.3-11.5 c 3.6-4.3, Em=2.57, Lm=9.95; vernal------R. rasilispora var. rasilispora 25B. Stipe single, white to off-white, often with blunt abortive protuberances; branches pale to ochraceous cream colored, sometimes with a hint of pink in age, cream buff; apices clear yellow to pastel greenish-yellow when young, aging to buff-colored; spores 9.4-11.9 x 3.2-4.3, Em=2.85, Lm=10.62; vernal/autumnal------R. rasilispora var. scatesiana

26A. Stipe amyloid, apices light yellow to yellow; Em about 2.30------R. rubricarnata (see lead # 18B) 26B. Stipe in-amyloid or if amyloid apices pale pinkish-buff and Em about 1.82------27

27A. Spore Em usually less than 2.10; stipe usually large, often with numerous abortive branchlets and clusters; branches pale pallid buff, often turning dark brown where exposed or dried, all upper parts cinnamon in age; apices pallid pinkish-buff; spores 8.3-10.4 x 4.7-5.8, Em=1.82, Lm=9.33; autumnal fruiter but known from vernal collections in the Sierra Nevada's ------R. caulifloriformis (= R. cartilaginea) Marr and Stuntz (1973) spore measurements, R. cartilaginea: 7.5-11 x 4-6, Em=1.96, Lm=8.8 27B. Spore Em generally greater than 2.40, or not as above------28

28A. Basidiocarps vinescent or rubribrunnescent; average spore length > 11; stipe single, conical to slightly bulbous, white to yellowish-white; branches yellowish-white, pale cream to pale yellow or orange; apices concolorous with branches; musty sweet odor; spores 9-13.5 x 3.5-5, Em=2.93, Lm=12.0------R. vinosimaculans 28B. Basidiocarps not vinescent or rubribrunnescent; average spore length < 11; stipe usually single, cylindrical to broadly conical, white, cream colored to light pale yellow; branches light yellow to pale yellow to cream colored, in age brownish-yellow; apices deep yellow when young, concolorous with branches in age; sweet odor, like gardenias, curry; spores 9-12 x 3-5, Em=2.60, Lm=10.4------R. flavobrunnescens var. aromatica Petersen & Scates (1988b) notes: R. f. var. aromatica seems always to show a yellow-brown diffuse patch of flesh at the stipe base.

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 10 29A. Stipe content strongly amyloid, reaction rapid; branches red to scarlet, apices yellow or red; spore width generally less than 4.2------30 29B. Stipe content not strongly amyloid; branches and apices various colored,------31

30A. Stipe single, cylindrical to conical, very massive, 2-7 x2.5-7 cm, white, light orange near emergence from substratum; branches scarlet in youth, fading to light orange-red in age; apices most intensely colored portion of branches, concolorous; spores 7-10 x 3-5, Em=2.08, Lm=8.3------R. stuntzii 30B. Stipe single, slightly bulbous, sometimes nearly fasciculate, 2-3 x 1.5 cm, white to yellowish white; branches red in youth, fading during maturation to light red; apices nearly concolorous in primordial basidiocarps, yellow in mature specimens; spores 8-13 x 3-4.5, Em=2.68, Lm=9.9 ------R. araiospora (see lead 53 for key to varieties) Some collections of R. araiospora from coastal mountains in Oregon have positive amyloid reactions. The base is single, small and the spores are ca 10.um. Red basidiocarp with yellow apices.

31A. Fresh basidiocarp white to cream-buff; stipe deep rooting, single to fasciculate, white to cream, gelatinous to sub-gelatinous; abortive branchlets recurved, retaining pink coloration where protected; branches cream-buff, white, aging cream-brown, sometimes hollow, context yellow-orange in age; apices red to pink to red-orange or orange when young, concolorous with branches or retaining some red to red- orange coloration in age; spores 8.4-10.2 x 3.6-4.6------R. botrytoides (=R. conjuncta) Petersen (personal communication): An eastern species, described from NY. Not uncommon in Appalachians. Known from 2 previous sites in the PNW; collected in Portland, Oregon (fungus show, 1984) and Mendocino County, California. Collected in Benton County, Oregon @ four sites near Alsea Falls. Average spore measurements from those specimens (7-10) 8.52 x 4.34 (4-5), Em= 1.96, Lm=8.52. 31B. Not as above------32

32A. Stipe single to fasciculate, strongly rubribrunnescent, flesh instantly turning blue-green with FSW, a band of brown contextual hyphae present in stipe; branches pastel salmon-ochre to greyish-orange, terminal branches enlarged and club-shaped; apices cusped to antler or molar-like, rich yellow when young, concolorous with branches in age; hymenium turning “oxide red” upon application of 20% KOH; spores 8.6-11.9 x 4.3-6.1, Em=1.89, Lm=10.03------R. claviramulata 32B. Not as above------33

33A. Basidiocarp pale yellow to cream colored and very large overall, disagreeable odor (of coal tar); stipe white to off-white, smooth, with many abortive branchlets; moderately amyloid flesh; strongly brunnescent; branches pallid light yellow when young, cream colored, becoming somewhat darker by maturity; apices yellow when young, quickly concolorous with branches; spores 7.9-10.4 x 3.6-4.3, Em=2.38, Lm=9.10; known only from Mendocino County, California------R. foetida Petersen (1988a): clamped basidia are rare, no more than 1% of those observed. 33B. Not as above------34

34A. Basidiocarp cauliflower-like, yellowish-pink; stipe single, small, white below, yellow at substrate level; flesh solid, white-marbled, firm-gelatinous to hard-rubbery, watery when fresh; major branches connate form base, pallid salmon, pale orange to light pinkish cinnamon; apices concolorous with branches to pallid yellow; spores 9.0-11.2 x 4.7-6.1, Em=1.91, Lm=10.06 ------R. verlotensis 34B. Not as above------35

35A. Band of brown contextual hyphae visible in a radially sectioned stipe ("rusty root")------36 35B. Stipe lacking brown contextual hyphae in radially sectioned stipe base------37

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 11

36A. Stipe flesh instantly turning blue-green in FSW; weakly amyloid reaction in fresh specimens or absent; stipe single, cylindrical to tapered, white to yellowish-white, covered with subareolate patches of brown to reddish-brown superficial hyphae; branches pale to light orange, pinkish- orange; apices light to sunflower yellow; spores 8-11 x 4-6, Em=2.07, Lm=9.5-- -R. celerivirescens 36B. Stipe flesh not instantly turning blue-green in FSW; in-amyloid; stipe large to massive, single, white to off-white, often with abortive branchlets, slowly brunnescent to pallid purple-grey; branches off- white, pale yellow to pale beige in age; apices crowded, cauliflower-like, deep dull fleshy red to fleshy beige, fading in age to fleshy pink; spores 8.3-12.6 x 2.9-4.0, Em=2.81, Lm=9.95; vernal species known from the Blue Mountains in Oregon and Northern Idaho------R. coulterae

37A. Stipe flesh instantly turning blue-green in FSW; base single or divided into thick stems; branches light yellow; apices bright yellow; any part bruising reddish-brown; spores 7-11 x 3.5-6, Em=2.14, Lm=9.4- - R. rubiginosa Petersen (1976): R. rubiginosa would appear as a synonym under R. sanguinea. 37B. Stipe flesh not reacting instantly with FSW, or if so, then not as above------38

38A. Basidiocarp up to 4 cm tall, sparingly branched; stipes slender to 4mm thick, fasciculate, solid to hollow; branches few to each stem, flesh colored, usually hollow, brittle; apices clear yellow to pale orange-yellow to pale ochraceous salmon; spores 8.9-11.1 x 5.0-6.1, Em=1.80, Lm=9.94; under Tsuga and Rhododendron------R. raveneliana (=R. conjunctipes var. raveneliana) 38B. Not as above------39

39A. Basidiocarps predominantly pale to dingy colored, brown, violet-brown, orange-brown, or white to cream ------40 39B. Basidiocarps mostly brighter, yellow to orange to red to salmon colored------43

40A. Stipe single to subfasciculate, white, superficial hyphae turning brown; branches cream to slightly more brown than pale yellow or pale orange when young, fading in age to light brown, brunnescent; apices concolorous or often with pinkish or purplish cast when young; water soaked specimens tend to dry dark brown; spores 8-14 x 4-6, Em=2.06, Lm=10.1------R. acrisiccescens 40B. Branches exhibiting brown tones to violaceous-brown------41

41A. Stipe flesh brown; spore length averages 8.56; stipe surface deep tan, brown to orange-brown, brunnescent where handled; branches brown to somewhat violaceous brown; apices somewhat subcristate to irregularly digitate and violaceous-brown when young, concolorous with branches in age; spores one to several guttulate, 7.2-10.1 x 4.7-6.1, Em=1.61, Lm=8.56; California, usually under Pinus------R. spinulosa var. diminutiva 41B. Stipe flesh off-white; spore Lm usually greater than 9.50------42

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42A. Stipe stout to massive, single, white to off-white, bruising brown where pressed by substrate objects, off-white flesh; branches light brown to flesh tan, often with avellaneous tints (cinnamon-buff, pinkish-buff); apices deep fleshy tan when young; stipe bruising brown to watery brown, but hardly when cut; spores uni-guttulate with guttules strongly refringent and yellowish, 8.6-11.6 x 4.3-5.4, Em=2.08, Lm=9.85; vernal species known from Northern Idaho.------R. marrii 42B. Stipe single or a fascicle of two connate stipes, tapered, small, greyish-orange, flesh off-white; branches +/- wrinkled, violet-grey, with a brownish tint; apices pale tan with slight violet tinge; violet pigmentation turns red in 20% KOH; spores 1-several guttulate with guttules dark and non- refringent, 9-13.5 x 4.5-7, Em=1.93, Lm=10.3------R. fumoslavellanea Petersen & Scates (1988b) notes: Our examination of the type specimens of R. fumoslavellanea, (Marr & Stuntz,) show it to be conspecific with R. spinulosa.

43B. Spore width mostly less than 4.5, spore length mostly > 8.5;Em value generally >2.0 or if less, otherwise not as described below------44 43A. Spore width generally greater than 4.5, spore length averages 7.5, Em value low (about 1.53), finely warted; base rarely single, covered in a white tomentum where buried, usually a fascicle of steeply tapered to slightly bulbous bases, white; branches above substrate level salmon to peach, elongated, slender, frequently <5mm in diameter, often hollow, faint dull violet bruising areas sometimes occurring on branches; apices light to maize yellow; spores 6-10 x 4-6.5, Em=1.53, Lm=7.5------R. conjunctipes var. sparsiramosa (=R. fasciculata var. sparsiramosa)

Marr and Stuntz (1973) key out 2 varieties:

A. Base a fascicle of stringy, white stipes; sparsely branched above; fruiting bodies rarely taller than 10 cm------R. conjunctipes var. sparsiramosa (=R. fasciculata var. sparsiramosa) A. Base single to densely fasciculate; stipes not stringy; densely branched above; fruiting bodies up to 18 cm tall------R. conjunctipes var. tsugensis (=R. fasciculata var. tsugensis) Petersen (1986); It is likely that R. f. var. tsugensis does not differ significantly from R. fasciculata and that further study will conclude that they are synonymous.

44A. Average spore length > 12.0, Em value generally >2.70; branches orange to red; apices yellow to concolorous with branches in age------45 44B. Average spore length generally < 12.0, Em value generally < 2.70; branches and apices various, or if average spore length is 12 or greater, then branches yellow------46

45A. Stipe single, slightly bulbous, underground portion of base white, pale yellow to sunflower yellow near the emergence of the substratum; branches light to deep orange, sometimes hollow; immature apices yellow becoming concolorous with branches during maturation; base and lower branches not staining or bruising; spores 10-18 x 4-6, Em=3.0, Lm=13.5------R. longispora 45B. Stipe single, frequently slender and tapering, abortive or primordial branches common in young specimens, white to orange-white; branches of immature basidiocarps pastel red, in age a shade browner than light orange; apices light yellow; the base and lower branches staining "oxblood red", staining may be extensive in the lower branches in age; spores 10-14 x 3.5-5, Em=2.8, Lm=12.3------R. rubribrunnescens

46A. Fruiting bodies predominantly yellow colored------47 46B. Fruiting bodies predominantly orange, red to salmon colored------49

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 13

47A. Base fasciculate, covered by white tomentum, consistency fibrous to cartilaginous when fresh, lower portion of stipe white with small surface spots of "oxblood" stains present, becoming more intensely yellow upward; branching sparse, rarely more than 3 ranks, pale yellow to light yellow; apices yellow; spores 7.9-9.4 x 4.7-5.8, Em=1.66, Lm=8.75------R. lorithamnus (=R. synaptopoda) Marr and Stuntz (4): R. synaptopoda, spores 9-11.5 x 3.5-4.5, Em=2.41, Lm=9.9 47B. Not as above; branching greater than 3 ranks; gelatinous, rubbery to cartilaginous------48

48A. Stipe single, without abortive branchlets, general outline obconical to trumpet-shaped, rubbery in texture, off-white at base, upward bright, rich yellow, flesh firm-gelatinous, translucent; branches bright yellow below, upward a lively pallid salmon, progressively yellow upward, with no pinkish tints (salmon coloration restricted to outermost tissues); flesh firm-gelatinous, brittle; apices bright rich yellow, hardly fading in maturity; spores 9.4-11.2 x 4.0-5.0, Em=2.30, Lm=10.10------R. hilaris var. olympiana 48B. Stipe compound or sub-compound, consisting of several to numerous connate stipes, new primordial branch systems frequent at the base, general outline conical; branches mostly yellow to pinkish due to orange coloration in branch context, flesh gelatinous, firmly gelatinous to cartilaginous------R. flavigelatinosa (see key to varieties) Petersen (1986) notes: R. flavigelatinosa fruiting bodies are yellow, with R. f. var. carnesalmonea and R. f. var. megalospora showing a blush of salmon on the branches, this from the salmon branch flesh.

Key to R. flavigelatinosa varieties:

A. Context of the branches salmon giving a pinkish cast to the yellow surface, stipe white where covered by a basal tomentum; branches light yellow with a distinctive pinkish tint due to the underlying salmon context; apices brighter yellow in youth; otherwise similar to R. f. var. flavigelatinosa; spores 8-11 x 3.5-4.5, Em=2.34, Lm=9.6------R. flavigelatinosa var. carnisalmonea A. Context of the branches yellow or average spore length > 10------B B. Odor slightly sweet; average spore width 4.5; very little if any gelatinous matrix present, cartilaginous when young; color very similar to R. f. var. flavigelatinosa but slightly more greenish-yellow; spores 8.5-13 x 3.5-6, Em=2.08, Lm=10------R. flavigelatinosa var. fragrans B. Odor fabaceous or not distinctive; average spore width less than 4.5, slightly gelatinous to firmly gelatinous------C C. Average spore length greater than 10.5; stipes small, fasciculate, white where protected, upward light yellow when young, mellowing in age to pale pinkish-salmon, flesh solid, very little if any gelatinous matrix present, cartilaginous when young; branches slightly orange-yellow to pallid salmon or orange salmon; apices bright yellow when young fading to pallid yellow; odor mildly fabaceous; spores 9-15 x 4-6, Em=2.67, Lm=12------R. flavigelatinosa var. megalospora Petersen (1986) spore measurements: 9.7-12.6 x 4.3-5.4, Em=2.26, Lm=10.89 C. Average spore length 10 or less, stipe compound to subcompound, white, context translucent white, firmly gelatinous like gelatin or cartilage; branches light yellow to maize yellow, occasionally small areas bruising "dull violet"; apices concolorous with branches or slightly brighter yellow; fabaceous in odor; spores 8-11 x 3.5-4.5, Em=2.34, Lm=9.6------R. flavigelatinosa var. flavigelatinosa

49A. Context gelatinous to sub-gelatinous; branches deep orange or salmon to apricot yellow; vinescent; average spore length about 9.3, width about 4.1, Em value about 2.27------50 49B. Context fleshy fibrous; branches mostly shades of orange to salmon to red; bruising various but not vinescent; average spore length mostly > 9.5, width and Em values various------51

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50A. Apices deep orange; stipe white, compound, broad, consisting of numerous, connate, gelatinous primary axes in various stages of development, context of stipe marbled, translucent greyish-white alternating with waxy, opaque white areas; upper stipe light yellow; branches deep orange; basidiocarps not vinescent; gleoplerous hyphae not abundant; spores 8-11 x 3.5-5, Em=2.27, Lm=9.3 ------R. gelatiniaurantia var. gelatiniaurantia 50B. Apices light yellow; stipe white, compound or single, usually slender and rooting, subgelatinous; branches salmon to apricot yellow, bruising dull violet; gleoplerous hyphae abundant; spores similar to R. g. var. gelatiniaurantia------R. gelatiniaurantia var. violeitingens

51A. Spore width generally about 4.5, spore Em value generally < 2.4; branches light red to peach to salmon; apices concolorous to minutely dotted with yellow------R. cyaneiganosa (see key to varieties) 51B. Spore width generally less than 4.2, spore Em value generally > 2.4; branches red to orange; apices concolorous to yellow------52

Key to R. cyaneigranosa varieties:

A. Mature apices concolorous with branches; base subcompound, small, white, covered by basal tomentum; branches pastel red in youth, fading to a brownish-salmon during maturation; primordial apices light red, maturing concolorous with branches; internodes and general habit slender and conspicuously elongated; spores 8-10 x 4-5, Em=2.04, Lm=9.2------R. cyaneigranosa var. elongata A. Mature apices dotted with yellow; internodes and general habit not conspicuously elongated------B B. Base single or subcompound, thick or slightly bulbous, white; branches light red, apices nearly concolorous, usually dotted with light yellow or reddish-yellow; spores 8-15 x 4-6, Em=2.39, Lm=11.0------R. cyaneigranosa var. cyaneigranosa B. Base single steeply tapered, slender, covered by a white basal tomentum; branches salmon to peach; apices minutely dotted with yellow; spores 7-11 x 3.5-6, Em=2.04, Lm=9.6------R. cyaneigranosa var. persicina

52A. Branches red; apices yellow or concolorous with branches; Lm about 10 or less------53 52B. Branches orange; apices orange or yellow; Lm= 10.25 to 10.8------55

53A. Mature apices yellow to pale to deep orange; base single, slightly bulbous, white to yellowish-white; branches red in youth, fading during maturation to light red; primordial apices concolorous, developing yellow basipetally during maturation; spores 8-13 x 3-4.5, Em=2.68, Lm=9.9------R. araiospora var. araiospora 53B. Mature apices red to sacrlet------54

54A. Spore Lm=9.9; stipe single, generally not massive; otherwise similar to R. a. var. araiospora------R. araiospora var. rubella 54B. Spore Lm =8.3; Stipe single, cylindrical to conical, very massive, 2-7 x2.5-7 cm, white, light orange near emergence from substratum; branches scarlet in youth, fading to light orange-red in age; apices most intensely colored portion of branches, concolorous; spores 7-10 x 3-5, Em=2.08, Lm=8.3------R. stuntzii Although this speciesgenerally reacts quickly with IKI, I have seen one specimen from coastal Oregon that did not react to IKI or Meltzers but otherwise fits the description of this species,massive base and small spore length, scarlet basidiocarp.

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 15

55A. Stipe large to massive, single, smooth, white to off-white; upper stipe pale yellow, branches pallid pastel orange below, pallid orange to bright orange above; apices orange to deep orange; spores 8.6-11.5 x 3.6- 4.3, Em=2.65, Lm=10.25; vernal species known from Northern Idaho and NW Oregon*----R. armeniaca *Collected and confirmed by Dr. Petersen from west of Dallas, Oregon 2003. 55B. Base single to compound, thin white basal tomentum present; upper base and lower branches light yellow, shading upwards into light orange or apricot yellow; apices most intensely colored, dark orange; base and lower branches sometimes with superficial stains of "caramel brown"; flesh subconcolorous; dried branches retaining orange coloration, "carrot red"; spores 8.5-14 x 3-5, Em=2.70, Lm=10.8------R. aurantiisiccescens Marr and Stuntz (1973) note in key: branches and apices intensely yellow-orange.

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 16

Key to Ramaria subgenus Ramaria

1A. Stipe surface not staining or bruising; average spore length generally 12.17; stipe large to massive, white to off-white, flesh white, firm when young becoming soft and spongy in age; branches off-white to pale beige, ivory to fleshy cinnamon by maturity; apices pale pink or pallid pink to buffy red or blood red, fading over time to dull rosy pink, color persisting after collecting; IKI slowly deep purple-brown or violet-brown; spores 10.4-15.5 x 4.0-5.0, Em=2.58, Lm=12.17; autumnal or vernal------R. rubripermanens Marr and Stuntz (1973): spores 8-13 x 3.5-4.5, Lm=10.3 1B. Stipe surface generally brunnescent; average spore length generally greater than 13 or basidiocarp mostly cream to pale yellow with concolorous apices or primordial apices pink, which soon fades during maturation or collecting------2

2A. Basidiocarp and apices mostly cream colored to pinkish beige to cinnamon tan or pale yellow to pale orange, lacking bright colored apices------3 2B. Branches white to pale orange, pale red to cream; apices pale salmon to pale red, pale pink or light orange------4

3A. Spore length averages 11.77; stipe single to massive, white discoloring yellowish, bruising brownish violet; branches beige to yellowish-white; apices buffy pink to pallid rose when young, to concolorous with branches soon after collecting; stipe flesh weakly amyloid; spores 10.4-13.7 x 4.0-4.7, Em=2.67, Lm=11.77; autumnal------R. rubrievanescens Marr and Stuntz (1972): The most unusual feature of this species is the evanescence of the pink color, present only in primordial branch tips. Petersen (1986): apices buffy pink to pallid rose when young fading to buff pink. 3B. Spore length averages 14.13+; stipe massive, single, tapered, generally short and thick, white, staining light yellow; flesh white, solid, quickly and distinctly amyloid; branches off-white to pale or light yellow, yellowish gray; apices concolorous to occasionally with a slight vinaceous cast, in age turning greyish- orange to yellowish gray; spores 12.0-18 x 5.0-7.0, Em=2.39, Lm=14.13------R. subviolacea Petersen & Scates (2000) note: It would appear that R. subviolacea is the same as at least some of the specimens cited by Marr & Stuntz under R. strasseri. ...The European material is R. strasseri.

4A. Primordial branch tips flushed with pink, pink coloration fading during maturation and soon after collecting; spore length averages 11.77; abortive branchlets often lacking------R. rubrievanescens (see 3A.) 4B. Primordial branch tip coloration not lost soon after collecting; spore length averages 13.5, stipe often with numerous abortive branchlets------5

5A. Terminal branches greyish magenta; stipe single, massive, white, staining or bruising pale yellow to light brown; lower branches white, upper branches flesh colored with a faint violaceous tint; apices and extreme upper branches reddish white to magenta; spores 11-17 x 4-6, Em=2.94, Lm=13.8, context of stipe weakly amyloid------R. botrytis var. botrytis 5B. Terminal branches light orange or a shade more brown; stipe single or fasciculate, massive, white, staining or bruising pale yellow to light brown; primary branches concolorous with stipe, upper branches and apices light orange; spores 12-16 x 4-6, Em= 2.87, Lm=13.5, context of stipe weakly amyloid------R. botrytis var. aurantiiramosa

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 17 Key to Ramaria subgenus Lentoramaria

1A. Spores smooth; rhizomorphs monomitic------Lentaria (Not covered in this key) 1B.Spores ornamented, warty; rhizomorphs monomitic or diamitic------2

2A. Average spore length 6.02; humicolous; rhizomorphs dimitic;basidiocarp mostly off-white to pale ochraceous; spores 5.5-7.1 x 3.3-4.4, Em=1.65, Lm=6.02------R. gracilis 2B. Average spore length >7.0; humicolus or lignicolous; rhizomorphs mono- or dimitic; basidiocarp variously colored------3

3A. Average spore length about 7.5 or less; lignicolous; apices white to pale cream when young------4 3B. Average spore length greater than 8.0; humicolous or lignicolous; apices various------5

4A. Rhizomorphic strands turning bright mauve pink in 10% KOH; basidiocarp body ruddy to ruddy purplish; hymenium amphigenous to often unilateral; spores 6.3-9.5 x 4.1-5.5, Em=1.75, Lm=7.5------R. rubella var. rubella (=R. acris) 4B. Rhizomorphic strands unchanging or yellowish in 10% KOH; basidiocarp base whitish, pinkish buff upward; hymenium occasionally amphigenous to predominantly unilateral; spores 6.3-8.1 x 4.4-5.9, Em=1.45, Lm=7.14------R. rubella var. blanda

5A. Basidiocarps humicolous; non-bruising------6 5B. Basdiocarps lignicolous; bruising to non-bruising------7

6A. Spore width 4.26; monomitic; inflated clamps of rhizomorphs unornamented; spores 8.1-10.4 x 3.7- 5.2, Em=2.12, Lm=9.03------R. suecica (=R. circinans var. anceps) 6B. Spore width 5.03; dimitic; inflated clamps of rhizomorphs conspicuously ornamented; spores 8.1- 11.1 x 4.4-5.9, Em=1.89, Lm=9.51------R. rainierensis

7A. Average spore length about 9.5; rhizomorphic strands monomitic------8 7B. Average spore length less than 8.5; rhizomorphic strands dimitic------10

8A. Stipe base, axils or branch tips exhibiting light green to light bluish green colors, usually accompanied by basidiocarps without such coloration; spores 8.5-11.0 x 4.1-5.2, Em=2.02, Lm=9.66------R. apiculata var. apiculata 8B. Basidiocarps consistently without greenish coloration------9

9A. Major and secondary branches ascending to erect, not crowded, not anastomosing; lignicolous; spores 9.2- 11.0 x 3.8-5.0, Em=2.17, Lm=9.79------R. apiculata var. brunnea 9B. Branches numerous, often anastomosing, congested; basidiocarps usually large, broadly ovoid in outline; on wood debris or sawdust; spores similar to R. apiculata var. brunnea------R. apiculata var. brunnea f. compacta

10A. Base and branches brownish orange, a few discoloring to reddish brown; apices minutely virescent, context yellowish white; spores 7.0-9.3 x 3.5-4.2, Em=1.93, Lm=9.11------R. concolor f. tsugina (=R. tsugina var. prasina) Marr & Stuntz (1973): spore measurements (R. t. var. prasina) 7-10 x 3.5-5, Lm=8.7 10B. Not as above, basidiocarps without greenish shades,------11

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 18 11A. Branches erect, flattened, strict, cinnamon to vinaceous ochre or grayish orange in lower two-thirds, upper branches and apices above light yellow; any part of the basidiocarp bruising light brown; spores 7.5-10.0 x 4.0-5.0, Em=1.99, Lm=8.42------R. stricta 11B. Not as above; apices mostly tan to buffy ochre or cream-colored, concolorous with branches; spores 7.8- 10 x 3.7-4.8, Em=1.92, Lm=8.06------R. concolor (R. stricta var. concolor)

Key to infraspecific taxa of R. concolor

A. Branches erect, often crowded but not lax and open ------B A. Branches open, lax, curved ascending;------R. concolor f. marrii C. Branch axils (or probably base) with green coloration; axils somewhat flattened; ------.R. concolor f. tsugina (=R. tsugina var. prasina) B. Branch axils concolorous with branches, without green coloration------C C. Basidiocarp base, stipe and lower branches deep chocolate brown------R. concolor f. fumida C. Basidiocarp base and stipe more or less concolorous with branches, ochraceous brown to deep cinnamon brown but not deep chocolate brown------R. concolor f. concolor

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 19 Key to Ramaria subgenus Echinoramaria

1A. Average spore length less than 5.5, spines generally less than 0.3 um------2 1B. Average spore length greater than 5.5, spines mostly greater than 0.5 um------3

2A. Basidiocarps chamois to honey yellow; much branched, open, delicate; under conifers; spores 4.4-5.7 x 2.6-3.5; Em=1.65, Lm=4.75, spines up to 0.3 um------R. myceliosa 2B. Basidiocarps cream buff to yellow-ocher; branches congested, irregular; under Pinus; spores 4.2-5.2 x 2.8- 3.5; Em=1.48, Lm=4.4, spines fine to verrucose------R. myceliosa var. microspora (=R. pusilla)

3A. Basidiocarp bruising blue green upon collecting; average spore length generally greater than 7.5------4 3B. Basidiocarp not bruising blue green upon collecting; average spore length 6-8; or if blue-green stains present, inconspicuous, limited to small areas on stipe and average spore length less than 7.0; ------5

4A. Average spore length 9.5; basidiocarp bulky (up to 15 x 5 cm);stipe base remains snow white upon drying, major branches lobed in cross-section; spores 8.2-11.1 x 4.4-5.5, Em=2.05, Lm=9.5, spines mostly 0.5-0.7 um------R. glauco-aromatica 4B. Average spore length 8.2; basidiocarp diminutive (usually less than 5 cm high) any part of basidiocarp quickly turning deep blue-green where handled; branches often flattened; spores 7.5-9.0 x 4.0-5.0, Em=1.92, Lm=8.2, spines up to 1.0 um------R. abietina (=R. ochraceovirens)

5A. Hymenium unilateral or with significant decurrent sterile areas; basidiocarps small 6 x 4------6 5B. Hymenium amphigenous, hardly decurrent; basidiocarps small to medium------7

6A. Basidiocarps slender, weak, often one or more branches split away from stipe or bend to touch the substrate; not staining or bruising; apices tan to tan ocher; spores 6.5-8.9 x 3.5-5.4, Em=1.75, Lm=7.38, spines up to 0.8 um; rare; NE North America, north northern temperate zone------R. flaccida 6B. Basidiocarps stout, stipe brunnescent upon handling; apices honey-brown to whitish; spores 6.0-8.6 x 3.3- 4.5, Em=1.95, Lm=7.45, spines up to 0.2 um------R. incognita

7A. Average spore length 7.80; rhizomorphs yellowish white to pale yellow; basidiocarps small to medium size 8 x 6; spores 6.3-10 x 3.3-4.8, Em=1.94, Lm=7.8, spines up to 1.0 um------R. eumorpha (=R. invalii) 7B. Average spore length 6.53; rhizomorphs snow-white to off-white; basidiocarps medium sized 16 x 10; spores 5.5-7.5 x 3.3-4.1, Em=1.75, Lm=6.53, spines up to 0.6 um------R. mutabilis

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Key to Pacific Northwest Ramaria subgenus Laeticolora Species Reacting with FSW (ferric sulfate-10% aqueous solution) in Stipe Base

1A. Terminal branches enlarged and club-shaped; stipe single to fasciculate, strongly rubribrunnescent, flesh instantly turning blue-green with FSW, a band of brown contextual hyphae present in stipe; branches pastel salmon-ochre to greyish-orange; apices cusped to antler or molar-like, rich yellow when young, concolorous with branches in age; hymenium turning “oxide red” upon application of 20% KOH; spores 8.6-11.9 x 4.3-6.1, Em=1.89, Lm=10.03------R. claviramulata 1B. Not as above ------2

2A. Basidia basally clamped; clamp connections often found in subhymenial and contextual hyphae------3 2B. Basidia without basal clamps; clamp connections generally uncommon in subhymenial and contextual hyphae; band of brown contextual hyphae visible in a radially sectioned stipe; stipe single, cylindrical to tapered, white to yellowish-white, covered with subareolate patches of brown to reddish-brown superficial hyphae; branches pale to light orange, pinkish-orange; apices light to sunflower yellow; spores 8-11 x 4-6, Em=1.89, Lm=9.5------R. celerivirescens

3A. Average spore length 11.76; band of brown contextual hyphae lacking in radially sectioned stipe (aka. "Rusty root"); stipe mostly single, white or bruising brown, covered with white tomentum, context may be spongy but not gelatinous; immature branches "maize yellow", maturing yellowish or red-brown; apices retaining "maize yellow", eventually concolorous with branches; any part of the basidiocarp bruising brown or vinescent, immediately when cut; spores 9.5-14 x 4.2-6.4, Em=2.29, Lm=11.76------R. testaceo-flava (= R. testacesflava var. brunnea) Doty (1944) notes: smallest branches solid, larger ones hollow. 3B. Average spore length about 9.0; band of brown contextual hyphae visible in a radially sectioned stipe------4

4A. Stipe context amyloid, (dried specimens instantly turning dark brown); stipe single, white to orange-white, almost entirely brown when mature; branches light orange, tinged to salmon; apices concolorous; spores 7-10 x 3-4, Em=2.47, Lm=8.9------R. amyloidea 4B. Stipe context non-amyloid; stipe usually single to compound; base white to pale yellow; branches white to cream colored to pale yellow; apices concolorous; spores 8-12 x 3.5-5, Em=2.25, Lm=9.0------R. velocimutans

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Key to Pacific Northwest Ramaria Subgenus Laeticolora species exhibiting a yellow color band on upper base and lower branches

1A. Base flesh in-amyloid ------2 1A. Base flesh amyloid; stipe base and lower branches non-staining but base may be minutely pruinose in some areas, the pruina easily rubbed off and then weakly-brunnescent; stipe single, large to massive, abortive branchlets cauliflower-like; branches pallid salmon-buff to yellow, buff colored to pallid buffy yellow with hint of salmon to salmon-orange; apices crowded, light yellow to yellow------R. rubricarnata (see key to varieties)

Key to R. rubricarnata varieties:

A. Mean spore length about 10; stipe large to massive, single, often with clusters of abortive branchlets, off-white; branches pallid cream to salmon-yellow to occasionally yellow; apices pale to light yellow; spores 8.6-11.2 x 4.0-4.7, Em=2.32, Lm=9.99; autumn variety------R. rubricarnata var. rubricarnata A. Mean spore length about 11 or >; branches as above or more pallid; vernal varieties------B B. Stipe single with common clusters of abortive branchlets, white; abortive branchlets cauliflower-like, white where protected; branches salmon-orange to light salmon, short stalky; flesh salmon-orange; apices yellow to rich yellow; spores 10.4-12.2 x 4.0-5.0, Em=2.55, Lm=11.09------R. rubricarnata var. verna Petersen (1989) includes this species in his key to taxa exhibiting yellow color band on upper stipe. B. Stipe broadly tapering to a rounded base, usually with some recurved abortive stumps, but not branchlets, white; branches buff colored to pallid buffy yellow with a hint of salmon, elongated; flesh muted pinkish-buff; apices dull greenish-yellow when young, maturing to light yellow; spores 9.7-14.4 x 4.0-4.7, Em=2.68, Lm=11.44------R. rubricarnata var. pallida

2A. Stipe compound, consisting of a gelatinous mass of fused branches; gelatinous context drying about "carrot red"; base white, light yellow or light orange; branches at first light orange, developing darker shades in age, grayish-orange, pompeian yellow or agate brown, sometimes with a definite violet- gray cast; apices yellow or white to concolorous with branches; spores coarsely ornamented, 7-10 x 4.5-6, Em=1.75, Lm=8.9------R. gelatinosa var. oregonensis 2B. Not as above------3

3A. Spores long (11-16), averaging about 12 or more------4 3B. Spores shorter, averaging 11 or less------6

4A. Basidia without basal clamps; clamp connections generally uncommon in subhymenial and contextual hyphae; stipe single, slightly bulbous, underground portion of base white, pale yellow to sunflower yellow near the emergence of the substratum; branches light to deep orange, sometimes hollow; immature apices yellow, becoming concolorous with branches during maturation; base and lower branches not staining or bruising; spores 10-18 x 4-6, Em=3.0, Lm=13.5------R. longispora 4B. Basidia basally clamped; clamp connections often found in subhymenial and contextual hyphae ------5

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5A. Stipe broadly conical, small abortive branches frequently diverging from the upper base, white to pale yellow; branches and apices light orange; spore width averages 4.5, spores 11-15 x 3-5, Em=2.98, Lm=13.4------R. largentii 5B. Stipe bluntly acute or obconical, without abortive branchlets, white below, upward becoming bright yellow to golden yellow, fading in age to flat yellow; branches pink-flesh to salmon colored; apices bright orange when fresh, fading in age to concolorous with upper branches; spore averages longer and wider than R. largentii, spores 12.6-16.3 x 4.8-6.3, Em=2.57, Lm=13.73------R. distinctissima var. americana Petersen (1988) notes: The only taxon with spores as long as those of R. distinctissima var. americana included by Marr and Stuntz (1973) is R. largentii. The colors of that species, however, are much paler, as reported by Marr and Stuntz. Nonetheless, the stipe shows pale yellow coloration, and the branches pallid salmon to pallid pinkish-salmon shades, so the collections reported to them could be faded or ill-colored specimens of this taxon. Petersen (1989), includes this species in his key to taxa exhibiting yellow color band ("bellyband") on upper stipe.

6A. Basidia basally clamped; clamp connections often found in subhymenial and contextual hyphae------7 6B. Basidia without basal clamps; clamp connections generally uncommon in subhymenial and contextual hyphae ------8

7A. Spore length 10.6; stipe single or more commonly compound, underground portion yellowish or orange- white, context fleshy- fibrous, bruising or staining reactions slight or entirely absent; branches light orange to light red; apices sunflower or dark yellow or chrome orange; spores 8-13 x 3-5, Em=2.59, Lm=10.6------R. leptoformosa 7B. Spore length 8.3 to 8.6; stipe single to compound, context often sub-gelatinous, occasionally with dull violet bruised areas; branches pale to deep orange; apices orange or yellow; spore length 6.5-10, Lm=8.1- 8.3;------R. sandaracina ( see key to varieties) Petersen (1989) includes this species in his key to taxa exhibiting yellow color band on upper stipe.

Key to R. sandaracina varieties:

A. Apices bright yellow when young; stipe compound, underground portion white; upper base and lower branches light yellow; branches pale orange, bruising dull violet; odor sweet; stipe base sub-gelatinous to rubbery; spores 6.5-9.0 x 3.5- 4.5, Em=2.26, Lm=8.6 ------R. sandaracina var. euosma A. Apices concolorous with branches; branches bright to deep orange; odor not noticeable to fabaceous; Em=2.08------B B. Basidiocarps broad, commonly wider than 8 cm; stipe base sub-gelatinous, gelatinous streaks present when cut; primary branches from a broad compound base; branches and apices salmon to orange; spores 7-10 x 3.5-5, Em=2.08, Lm=8.3------R. sandaracina var. chondrobasis Petersen (1989) notes: Stipes compound, fasciculate, sub-gelatinous, branches hollow. B. Basidiocarps slender, usually less than 8cm wide; stipe single, underground portion of stipe white to pale yellow, sometimes a portion of the base is slightly gelatinous; upper base and lower branches brighter yellow; branches deep orange, several primary branches arising from a single stipe, faint and small violet-grey bruising may be present; apices deep orange; spores 6.5-9.0 x 3.5-3.5, Em=2.08, Lm=8.1------R. sandaracina var. sandaracina

8A. Basidiocarp cauliflower-like, yellowish-pink; stipe single, small, white below, yellow at substrate level; flesh solid, white-marbled, firm-gelatinous to hard-rubbery, watery when fresh; major branches connate from base, pallid salmon, pale orange to light pinkish cinnamon; apices concolorous with branches to pallid yellow; spores 9.0-11.2 x 4.7-6.1, Em=1.91, Lm=10.06------R. verlotensis 8B. Not as above ------9

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9A. Average spore length 10.8; context of stipe base fleshy fibrous; base single to compound, thin white basal tomentum present; upper base and lower branches light yellow, shading upwards into light orange or apricot yellow; apices most intensely colored, dark orange; base and lower branches sometimes with superficial stains of "caramel brown"; flesh subconcolorous; dried branches retaining orange coloration, "carrot red"; spores 8.5-14 x 3-5, Em=2.70, Lm=10.8------R. aurantiisiccescens Marr and Stuntz (1973) note in key: branches and apices intensely yellow-orange. 9B. Average spore length 9.3; context of stipe base gelatinous to subgelatinous; branches deep orange to salmon or apricot yellow; dried sporocarps champagne with darker streaks of rusty brown to grayish orange. ------10

10A. Apices deep orange; stipe white, compound, broad, consisting of numerous, connate, gelatinous primary axes in various stages of development, context of stipe marbled, translucent greyish-white alternating with waxy, opaque white areas; upper stipe light yellow; branches deep orange; basidiocarps not vinescent; gleoplerous hyphae not abundant; spores 8-11 x 3.5-5, Em=2.27, Lm=9.3 ------R. gelatiniaurantia var. gelatiniaurantia 10B. Apices light yellow; stipe white, compound or single, usually slender and rooting, subgelatinous; branches salmon to apricot yellow, bruising dull violet; gleoplerous hyphae abundant; spores similar to R. g. var. gelatiniaurantia------R. gelatiniaurantia var. violeitingens

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List of species included in key

Subgenus-Echinoramaria

Ramaria abietina (=R. ochraceovirens) Ramaria eumorpha (=R. invalii) Ramaria flaccida Ramaria glauco-aromatica Ramaria incognita Ramaria mutabilis Ramaria myceliosa Ramaria myceliosa var. microspora (=R. pusilla)

Subgenus-Laeticolora Clamped basidia Ramaria amyloidea Ramaria caulifloriformis (=Ramaria cartilaginea) Ramaria cystidiophora var. anisata Ramaria cystidiophora var. citronella Ramaria cystidiophora var. cystidiophora Ramaria cystidiophora var. fabiolens Ramaria cystidiophora var. maculans Ramaria distinctissima var. americana Ramaria flavobrunnescens var. aromatica Ramaria foetida Ramaria formosa Ramaria gelatinosa var. oregonensis Ramaria largentii Ramaria leptoformosa Ramaria maculatipes Ramaria magnipes var. magnipes Ramaria magnipes var. albidior Ramaria purpurissima var. purpurissima Ramaria rasilispora var. rasilispora Ramaria rasilispora var. scatesiana Ramaria rubricarnata var rubricarnata Ramaria rubricarnata var. pallida Ramaria rubricarnata var. verna Ramaria sandaracina var. chondrobasis Ramaria sandaracina var. euosma Ramaria sandaracina var. sandaracina Ramaria. testaceo-flava (=Ramaria testaceoflava var. brunnea) Ramaria thiersii Ramaria velocimutans Ramaria versatilis var. versatilis Ramaria versatilis var. violaceibrunnea (=R. fennica var. violaceibrunnea) Ramaria vinosimaculans

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Subgenus- Laeticolora Non-clamped basidia Ramaria acrisiccescens Ramaria araiospora var. araiospora Ramaria araiospora var. rubella Ramaria armeniaca Ramaria aurantiisiccescens Ramaria botrytoides (=Ramaria conjuncta) Ramaria celerivirescins Ramaria clavirumulata Ramaria conjunctipes var. sparsiramosa (=Ramaria fasciculata var. sparsiramosa) Ramaria conjunctipes var. tsugensis (=Ramaria fasciculata var. tsugensis) Ramaria coulterae Ramaria cyaneigranosa var. cyaneigranosa Ramaria cyaneigranosa var. elongata Ramaria cyaneigranosa var. persicina Ramaria flavigelatinosa var. carnisalmonea Ramaria flavigelatinosa var. flavigelatinosa Ramaria flavigelatinosa var. fragrans Ramaria flavigelatinosa var. megalospore Ramaria foetida Ramaria fumoslavellanea Ramaria gelatiniaurantia var. gelatiniaurantia Ramaria gelatiniaurantia var. violeitingens Ramaria hilaris var. olympiana Ramaria longispora Ramaria lorithamnus (= Ramaria synaptopoda) Ramaria marrii Ramaria raveneliana (= Ramaria conjunctipes var. raveneliana) Ramaria rubiginosa Ramaria rubribrunnescens Ramaria spinulosa var. diminutiva Ramaria stuntzii Ramaria verlotensis

Subgenus-Lentoramaria

Ramaria apiculata var. apiculata Ramaria apiculata var. brunnea Ramaria apiculata var. brunnea f. compacta Ramaria concolor f. concolor Ramaria concolor f. fumida Ramaria concolor f. marrii (=R. stricta var. concolor) Ramaria concolor f. tsugina (=R. tsugina var. prasina) Ramaria gracilis Ramaria rainierensis Ramaria rubella var. blanda Ramaria rubella var. rubella (=R. acris) Ramaria stricta Ramaria suecica (=R. circinans var. anceps)

Subgenus-Ramaria

Ramaria botrytis var. aurantiiramosa Ramaria botrytis var. botrytis Ramaria rubrievanescens Ramaria rubripermanens Ramaria subviolacea

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Bibliography

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7) Petersen, R. H. 1974. Contribution toward a Monograph of Ramaria. I. Some Classic Species Redescribed. American J. Bot. 61(7): 739-748.

8) Petersen, R. H. 1975. Ramaria subgenus Lentoramaria with Emphasis on North American Taxa. Bibliotheca Mycologia 43. 161 p.

9) Petersen R. H. 1976. Contribution Toward a Monograph of Ramaria III. R. Sanguinea, R. formosa. And Two New Species From Europe. American J. Bot. 63(3): 309-316.

10) Petersen, R. H. 1979. Contribution to a Monograph of Ramaria IV. R testaceo-flava and R. bataillei. Nova Hedwigia. band XXXI 1+2 Braunschweig. 25-38

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12) Petersen, R.H. 1982. Contributions toward a monograph of Ramaria. V. Type Specimens Studies of Taxa Described by W. C. Coker. Sydowia 35:176-205

13) Petersen, R. H. 1985. Notes on Clavaroid Fungi. XX. New Taxa and Distributional Records in Clavulina and Ramaria. Mycologia, 77(6) 903- 919.

14) Petersen, R. H. 1986. Some Ramaria taxa from Nova Scotia. Canadian Journal Bot. 64: 1786-1811.

15) Petersen R. H. 1987. Contribution toward a monograph of Ramaria. VI. the Ramaria fennica-versatilis complex. Sydowia Band 40/1987.

16) Petersen, R. H. 1988. Contributions toward a monograph of Ramaria. VII. New taxa and Miscellany. Mycologia, 80(2) 223-234.

17) Petersen, R. H. & Catherine Scates. 1988. Vernally Fruiting Taxa of Ramaria From the Pacific Northwest. Mycotaxon vol. XXXIII 101-144

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003 27 18) Petersen, R. H. 1989. Contributions Toward a Monograph of Ramaria VIII. Some taxa sheltered under the name Ramaria flava. Persoonia. vol 14, part 1, 23-42.

19) Petersen, R. H. & Catherine Scates. 2000. A New Species of Ramaria subg. Ramaria from western North America. Karstenia 40: 139-142.

20) Scates, Kit. 1981. Trial Key to the Species of Ramaria in the Pacific Northwest. Pacific Northwest Key Council. Northern Idaho Mycological Association.

21) Tylutki Edmund E. 1987. Mushrooms of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Volume 2. Non-gilled Hymenomycetes

Ron Exeter…Bureau of Land Management…Salem District …Marys Peak Resource Area April 2003