Clavaria zollingeri. Dazzling, bright, ascending wisps of coral fungi incredulousness. I've wanted to knit this species since I first laid eyes on a photo. Its otherworldliness appealed to my senses and imagination. (which I suppose is a sense, isn't it?) You know how sometimes you see something and think how it can't possibly be real? Moments like these are what fuel my thirst for observation and inspire me to ponder the depth of what we are surrounded by. I could never fathom it. How sweet it is to coexist with such magnificent creatures!

Clearly, since this fungi grows in eastern North America, I will be obliged to at some point visit that area in the fall to look for some. Even if I never find it, I am at least happy to know that it's just out there being amazing. As fungi does.

As with the Lactarius indigo, I would like to thank Berroco for providing me with the yarn for this fungi!! It is made with Ultra Alpaca Light in Viola. Oh, stitch definition... Vibrant color scheme... Soft and cozy... I'll never get enough of Ultra Alpaca! Good thing I've got a few more species to go with the generous support Berroco has provided to my project. Thanks, guys!

I also want to put this out there - if there's a fungi out there that you LOVE and would like to see it in knitted form, please share a photo (with scientific name, if you know it) on my Facebook page! Even though the project has extended into a 2nd year, I am committed to finishing all 52 forms... suggestions are welcome!

This structure was knitted as part of my 52 Forms of Fungi project. Check out more of the forms from this project.

There are many types of coral fungi that are incredibly eye catching, so I doubt this will be the first species you see here. This one in particular is known as Clavulinopsis corallinorosacea, and it is found in Australia. I haven't been able to find much about this specific type of Clavulinopsis other than photos of it, so if anyone has information please send it my way! But regardless, those colors! Does this not look like some delicate sea life form that you would see on a snorkling excursion? Lovely.

This structure was knitted as part of my 52 Forms of Fungi project, through which I will knit a different type of fungi for every week of 2013. Check out more of the forms from this project.