The world of coral fungi is very extensive and it is difficult to clearly determine what species of fungus it is without thorough research.

To determine what kind of mushroom this is, in the case of species very similar to each other, one should pay attention to the shape of the tops, the color, and the flesh, whether it is, for example, brittle or elastic. The smell and the environment in which the mushroom grows are also important, and for 100% certainty, examination under a microscope is necessary.

In this case, I have no doubts, as I've known the site where the pine coral (Phaeoclavulina eumorpha) grows for many years. It's a beautiful mixed forest, dominated by pines and beeches, with occasional spruces.

In Poland, the mushroom is an endangered species and is waiting to be included on the protection list, and this mushroom grows in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland and is found there in large numbers every year.

The fungus is present on many continents worldwide. This species can be found in South America, North Asia, and Europe.

The mushroom is generally considered inedible, but the Romanian, Lithuanian, and Israeli mushroom atlases state that the young fruiting bodies are edible. However, I'll stick with the inedible version.