Woodland Delights

This amazing looking fungus has come up in the same shady, mossy, damp area of our yard for quite a few years. It looks like ocean coral in shape and form, and ranges in color from violet to amethyst. Though it looks pink in the pic below, it was actually more purple in the deep shade. It's called the violet coral, or Clavaria zollingeri.

It's so small, and easily overlooked. This next pic is included to show how small this organism is, by including the acorn cap for scale.

It's important for breaking down organic material, and is found throughout the world. Isn't it beautiful? It shows up really well against the haircap moss.