EDIT 05/10/2024

After some research, I have decided these are not Ramaria stricta, but Artomyces pyxidatus. I believe the consensus is that Ramaria ‘appear terrestrial’ [1] — that is, while they may grow on wood, it is buried or very decayed — while Artomyces grows exclusively on wood.

This also explains why the tips did not bruise, as they would if they were R. stricta [2].

END OF EDIT

On rotting wood, I found these cream, coral fruitbodies, which split into around three tiny spikes at the top.

The next week (Day 6 — 09 September 2023), they had grown taller: each branch had many forked tips ( each having around 3-4 forks ).

By Day 7 (16 September 2023) they were larger still, and deeper in colour – some had taken a slight reddish tint.

The tips did not bruise and they had a vague spicy scent.

The next week, Day 8 (23 September 2023), the bases had turned slightly vinaceous and the tips slightly yellow.

On Day 9 (30 September 2023):

By Day 10 (08 October 2023), they had deteriorated:

REFERENCES

[1] ‘Artomyces pyxidatus’ Barbora Batokova, FUNGIWOMAN, 05/10/2024

Retrieved from: https://fungiwoman.com/pages/artomyces-pyxidatus-crown-tipped-coral

[2] ‘Ramaria stricta (Pers.) Quél. – Upright Coral’ Pat O’Reilly, First Nature website, 05/10/2024

Retrieved from: https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ramaria-stricta.php