-
Lycogala epidendrum (L.) Fr.Wolf's Milk, Groening's Slime, DE: BlutmilchpilzSlo.: razbarvana grahovkaDat.: Nov. 9. 2017Lat.: 46.36014 Long.: 13.70435Code: Bot_1096/2017_DSC9621Picture file names: from Lycogala-epidendrum_raw_20 to Lycogala-epidendrum_raw_24.Habitat: mountain pasture; slightly inclined terrain, southeast aspect; colluvial/glacial, calcareous ground; full sun, dry place; elevation 575 m (1.900 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: a pile of partly rotten stump of Picea abies, mostly still in bark.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa; between villages Soa and Trenta; near Trenta 2 farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC.Comment: Average diameter of seven aethalia found was somewhat small (AVG = 4.5 mm, SD = 0.6 mm) compared to data from literature (the smallest had only 2.2 mm in diameter); however all other macroscopic traits fit well to Lycogala epidendrum species descriptions. Microscopically spore dimensions, their shape and reticulated surface, all fit to this species. Also pseudocapillitium diameter, its surface with conspicuous transverse faults and its club shaped free ends fit well. Spore mass grayish with pink tint. Spores reticulated, globose to subglobose. Dimensions: (6,7) 7 - 7,5 (7,9) x (6,5) 6,8 - 7,3 (7,5) microns; Q = 1 - 1,06 (1,1); N = 35; Me = 7,3 x 7,1 microns; Qe = 1. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (pseudocapillitium), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (pseudocapillitium); in water; fresh material. AmScope MA500 digital camera.Ref.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 91. (2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 135. (3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 321; Vol.2. p 75. (4) S. Behri, Raznolikost Pravih Sluzavk (Myxomycetes) v okolici Mengea, (in Slovene) (True Slime Molds (Myxomicetes) Diversity in Vicinity of Menge) (in Slovene), Graduation Thesis, University Studies, University in Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Biology department (2015), p 74. Baumann - H. Marx, Die Myxomyceten Deutschlands und des angrenzenden Alpenraumes unter besonderen Bercksichtigung sterreichs, Vol.1., Karlheinz Baumann Verlag, (1993, 1995, 2000), p 135.
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 20. 2016 - 10:17Code: Bot_1075/2017_DSC8264Lat.: 46.35975 Long.: 13.70152Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant tree following by Picea abies; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect, old colluvial, calcareous, skeletal ground; in shade; relatively warm and dry place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 602 m (1.970 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: old, cut off, standing trunk of Fagus sylvatica, partly debarked.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to the trail from Trenta 2b cottage to Strgulc abandoned farm house, Soa 48, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Stemonitis lignicola is generally considered a quite rare species. However, all macro and micro traits of this find as well as substratum fit well to Stemonitis lignicola descriptions in literature. An exception may be slightly large spores. However, the observed differences in diameter are roughly of the same size as between an example shown in Ref. 3 compared to average given in Ref.: 2. Capillitium extensions (resembling warts or free ends) were found rare and small. Note that Ref: 2 doesn't mention capillitium extensions at all and talks about smooth capilitial threads, while Ref.: 5 claims presence of capillitium extensions for this species.Sporocarps cylindrical, somewhat curved, about 12 mm high and 0.35-0.45 mm in diameter, stalks 2.5-3 mm long; surface capilitial net distinctive, uniform, small meshed, with rare extensions; capilitial internal net sparse, thick, with some membranous expansions; columella reaching the tip of sporocarps, gradually tapering toward the top, frequently bended in the upper part of the sporocarp; stalks short, blackish brown to black, shiny; hypothallus membranous, shiny; plasmodium white; spores on mass abundant, dark brown. Spores evenly, densely but minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 7,9 [8,2 ; 8,3] 8,7 x 7,3 [7,8 ; 8] 8,4 microns; Q = [1 ; 1,07] 1,1; N = 36; C = 95%; Me = 8,3 x 7,9 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Average outer net (peridium) mesh 21 microns in diameter (SD=7 microns, N=30). Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (capillitium, stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (capillitium). AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203.(2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541.(3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) S. Behri, Raznolikost Pravih Sluzavk (Myxomycetes) v okolici Mengea, (in Slovene) (True Slime Molds (Myxomicetes) Diversity in Vicinity of Menge) (in Slovene), Graduation Thesis, University Studies, University in Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Biology department (2015), p 119. (5) H. Neubert, W. Nowotny, K. Baumann - H. Marx, Die Myxomyceten Deutschlands und des angrenzenden Alpenraumes unter besonderen Bercksichtigung sterreichs, Vol.3., Karlheinz Baumann Verlag, (2000), p 284.
-
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
-
Fuligo levidermaDate: Sept 27. 2009Lat.: 46.38006 Long.: 13.78552Code: Bot_385/2009-4762Habitat: Mixed wood and bushes, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, rather cool and humid place, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 840 m (2.750 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.Substratum: Picea abies stump, not much rooted, partly still in bark.Place: Zadnjica valley, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECRef.:
www.nivicol.de/fuligo_leviderma.htmslimemold.uark.edu/fungi/WebForms/ImageSearchForm.aspx?le... www.flickr.com/photos/23151213@N03/2975608840/ www.myxomycetes.it/foto_big.php?foto=Fuligo/fuligo-levide...
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 06. 2016Lat.: 46.36002 Long.: 13.70436Code: Bot_984/2016_DSC3464Habitat: grassy yard of a farmhouse, open place; almost flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; partly in shade; partly protected from direct rain by the trough, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 570 m (1.870 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: eleven years old, handmade wooden water trough (Larix decidua wood), standing on four thin wooden legs; wood still (almost) intact, the trough still capable to hold water.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to Trenta 2, Skokar (abandoned) farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Spore dimensions and type of surface, size and color of the sporocarps, small meshed, persistent peridial net, sparsely branched internal capillitium with extensions, wavy columella toward its end, columella reaching the apex of the sporocarps, as well as habitus and substratum fit well to the description of Stemonitis lignicola in the literature. Sporocarps 8.2-8.5 mm high, stalks 2- 2.1 mm long. Spore print abundant, dark brown. What I am curious is, did the whole development process of this myxomicete from start to the end take place on the water trough (which is most of the time dry and standing in free air), or did this thing really climb up one of the thin trough's legs in the form of plasmodium before building sporocarps?Spores evenly, densely and minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 6,8 [7,2; 7,4] 7,8 x 6 [6,6 ; 6,8] 7,3 microns; Q = 1 [1,1] 1,2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 7,3 x 6,7 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Outer net (peridium) mesh dimensions: 7.5 [19.3 ; 23.2] 35 x 7 [15.3 ; 18] 26.3 microns; Q = 0.8 [1.2 ; 1.4] 1.8; N = 50; C = 95%; Me = 21.2 x 16.7 microns; Qe = 1.3. The largest meshes haven't been taken into account; assuming they are the consequence of damages during microscopy. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium extensions), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (peridium, capillitium), in air without cover glass. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203. (2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541. (3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) Personal communication with Mr. Marko Sovre, owner of the water trough, who showed me the find.
-
Fuligo septica (L.) Wigg., syn. Mucorsepticus L., Reticularia septica (L.) With., Aethalium septicum (L.) Fr., Fuligo varians Sommerf.Scrambled-egg slime, Dog vomit slime mold, Flowers of Tan, DE: Gelbe Lohblte, HexenbutterSlo.: reslov cvetThe aethalium 24 days after first photographing. Dat.: Aug. 11. 2014Lat.: 46.36113 Long.: 13.70122Code: Bot_823/2014_DSC2789Habitat: old partly overgrown pasture, near mixed wood edge, moderately southeast inclined foot of a mountain; open, dry, sunny place; shallow, skeletal, calcareous ground, old overgrown scree slope; exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 630 m (2.070 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: stump of Picea abies cut down three years ago.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, upper part of 'Na melu' place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECComments: It is interesting to follow how aethalium was developing and decaying over almost one month period. 'Fibrous' layer called hypothallus is shown on picture 3. Cushion-shaped aethalium measured approximately 12 x 4 cm and was about 2 cm thick (when first photographed). I found six such aethalia this day on three stumps in only a few meters distance.Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland, The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 246.(2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 123.(3)
www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/physaraceae/physa02.htm
-
Fuligo levidermaDate: Sept 27. 2009Lat.: 46.38006 Long.: 13.78552Code: Bot_385/2009-4762Habitat: Mixed wood and bushes, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, rather cool and humid place, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 840 m (2.750 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.Substratum: Picea abies stump, not much rooted, partly still in bark.Place: Zadnjica valley, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECRef.:
www.nivicol.de/fuligo_leviderma.htmslimemold.uark.edu/fungi/WebForms/ImageSearchForm.aspx?le... www.flickr.com/photos/23151213@N03/2975608840/ www.myxomycetes.it/foto_big.php?foto=Fuligo/fuligo-levide...
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 06. 2016Lat.: 46.36002 Long.: 13.70436Code: Bot_984/2016_DSC3464Habitat: grassy yard of a farmhouse, open place; almost flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; partly in shade; partly protected from direct rain by the trough, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 570 m (1.870 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: eleven years old, handmade wooden water trough (Larix decidua wood), standing on four thin wooden legs; wood still (almost) intact, the trough still capable to hold water.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to Trenta 2, Skokar (abandoned) farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Spore dimensions and type of surface, size and color of the sporocarps, small meshed, persistent peridial net, sparsely branched internal capillitium with extensions, wavy columella toward its end, columella reaching the apex of the sporocarps, as well as habitus and substratum fit well to the description of Stemonitis lignicola in the literature. Sporocarps 8.2-8.5 mm high, stalks 2- 2.1 mm long. Spore print abundant, dark brown. What I am curious is, did the whole development process of this myxomicete from start to the end take place on the water trough (which is most of the time dry and standing in free air), or did this thing really climb up one of the thin trough's legs in the form of plasmodium before building sporocarps?Spores evenly, densely and minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 6,8 [7,2; 7,4] 7,8 x 6 [6,6 ; 6,8] 7,3 microns; Q = 1 [1,1] 1,2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 7,3 x 6,7 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Outer net (peridium) mesh dimensions: 7.5 [19.3 ; 23.2] 35 x 7 [15.3 ; 18] 26.3 microns; Q = 0.8 [1.2 ; 1.4] 1.8; N = 50; C = 95%; Me = 21.2 x 16.7 microns; Qe = 1.3. The largest meshes haven't been taken into account; assuming they are the consequence of damages during microscopy. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium extensions), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (peridium, capillitium), in air without cover glass. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203. (2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541. (3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) Personal communication with Mr. Marko Sovre, owner of the water trough, who showed me the find.
-
Fuligo septica (L.) Wigg., syn. Mucorsepticus L., Reticularia septica (L.) With., Aethalium septicum (L.) Fr., Fuligo varians Sommerf.Scrambled-egg slime, Dog vomit slime mold, Flowers of Tan, DE: Gelbe Lohblte, HexenbutterSlo.: reslov cvetThe aethalium five days after first photographing. Dat.: July 23. 2014Lat.: 46.36113 Long.: 13.70122Code: Bot_816/2014_DSC2092 Habitat: old partly overgrown pasture, near mixed wood edge, moderately southeast inclined foot of a mountain; open, dry, sunny place; shallow, skeletal, calcareous ground, old overgrown scree slope; exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 630 m (2.070 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: stump of Picea abies cut down three years ago.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, upper part of 'Na melu' place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECComments: It is interesting to follow how aethalium was developing and decaying over almost one month period. 'Fibrous' layer called hypothallus is shown on picture 3. Cushion-shaped aethalium measured approximately 12 x 4 cm and was about 2 cm thick (when first photographed). I found six such aethalia this day on three stumps in only a few meters distance.Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland, The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 246.(2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 123.(3)
www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/physaraceae/physa02.htm
-
Fuligo leviderma habitat.Date: Sept 27. 2009Lat.: 46.38006 Long.: 13.78552Code: Bot_385/2009-4762Habitat: Mixed wood and bushes, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, rather cool and humid place, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 840 m (2.750 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.Substratum: Picea abies stump, not much rooted, partly still in bark.Place: Zadnjica valley, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECRef.:
www.nivicol.de/fuligo_leviderma.htmslimemold.uark.edu/fungi/WebForms/ImageSearchForm.aspx?le... www.flickr.com/photos/23151213@N03/2975608840/ www.myxomycetes.it/foto_big.php?foto=Fuligo/fuligo-levide...
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 06. 2016Lat.: 46.36002 Long.: 13.70436Code: Bot_984/2016_DSC3464Habitat: grassy yard of a farmhouse, open place; almost flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; partly in shade; partly protected from direct rain by the trough, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 570 m (1.870 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: eleven years old, handmade wooden water trough (Larix decidua wood), standing on four thin wooden legs; wood still (almost) intact, the trough still capable to hold water.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to Trenta 2, Skokar (abandoned) farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Spore dimensions and type of surface, size and color of the sporocarps, small meshed, persistent peridial net, sparsely branched internal capillitium with extensions, wavy columella toward its end, columella reaching the apex of the sporocarps, as well as habitus and substratum fit well to the description of Stemonitis lignicola in the literature. Sporocarps 8.2-8.5 mm high, stalks 2- 2.1 mm long. Spore print abundant, dark brown. What I am curious is, did the whole development process of this myxomicete from start to the end take place on the water trough (which is most of the time dry and standing in free air), or did this thing really climb up one of the thin trough's legs in the form of plasmodium before building sporocarps?Spores evenly, densely and minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 6,8 [7,2; 7,4] 7,8 x 6 [6,6 ; 6,8] 7,3 microns; Q = 1 [1,1] 1,2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 7,3 x 6,7 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Outer net (peridium) mesh dimensions: 7.5 [19.3 ; 23.2] 35 x 7 [15.3 ; 18] 26.3 microns; Q = 0.8 [1.2 ; 1.4] 1.8; N = 50; C = 95%; Me = 21.2 x 16.7 microns; Qe = 1.3. The largest meshes haven't been taken into account; assuming they are the consequence of damages during microscopy. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium extensions), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (peridium, capillitium), in air without cover glass. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203. (2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541. (3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) Personal communication with Mr. Marko Sovre, owner of the water trough, who showed me the find.
-
Fuligo septica (L.) Wigg., syn. Mucorsepticus L., Reticularia septica (L.) With., Aethalium septicum (L.) Fr., Fuligo varians Sommerf.Scrambled-egg slime, Dog vomit slime mold, Flowers of Tan, DE: Gelbe Lohblte, HexenbutterSlo.: reslov cvetThe same aethalium three days after first photographing.Dat.: July 21. 2014Lat.: 46.36113 Long.: 13.70122Code: Bot_815/2014_DSC2026Habitat: old partly overgrown pasture, near mixed wood edge, moderately southeast inclined foot of a mountain; open, dry, sunny place; shallow, skeletal, calcareous ground, old overgrown scree slope; exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 630 m (2.070 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: stump of Picea abies cut down three years ago.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, upper part of 'Na melu' place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECComments: It is interesting to follow how aethalium was developing and decaying over almost one month period. 'Fibrous' layer called hypothallus is shown on picture 3. Cushion-shaped aethalium measured approximately 12 x 4 cm and was about 2 cm thick (when first photographed). I found six such aethalia this day on three stumps in only a few meters distance.Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland, The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 246.(2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 123.(3)
www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/physaraceae/physa02.htm
-
Fuligo levidermaDate: Sept 27. 2009Lat.: 46.38006 Long.: 13.78552Code: Bot_385/2009-4762Habitat: Mixed wood and bushes, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, rather cool and humid place, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 840 m (2.750 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.Substratum: Picea abies stump, not much rooted, partly still in bark.Place: Zadnjica valley, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECRef.:
www.nivicol.de/fuligo_leviderma.htmslimemold.uark.edu/fungi/WebForms/ImageSearchForm.aspx?le... www.flickr.com/photos/23151213@N03/2975608840/ www.myxomycetes.it/foto_big.php?foto=Fuligo/fuligo-levide...
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 20. 2016 - 10:17Code: Bot_1075/2017_DSC8264Lat.: 46.35975 Long.: 13.70152Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant tree following by Picea abies; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect, old colluvial, calcareous, skeletal ground; in shade; relatively warm and dry place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 602 m (1.970 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: old, cut off, standing trunk of Fagus sylvatica, partly debarked.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to the trail from Trenta 2b cottage to Strgulc abandoned farm house, Soa 48, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Stemonitis lignicola is generally considered a quite rare species. However, all macro and micro traits of this find as well as substratum fit well to Stemonitis lignicola descriptions in literature. An exception may be slightly large spores. However, the observed differences in diameter are roughly of the same size as between an example shown in Ref. 3 compared to average given in Ref.: 2. Capillitium extensions (resembling warts or free ends) were found rare and small. Note that Ref: 2 doesn't mention capillitium extensions at all and talks about smooth capilitial threads, while Ref.: 5 claims presence of capillitium extensions for this species.Sporocarps cylindrical, somewhat curved, about 12 mm high and 0.35-0.45 mm in diameter, stalks 2.5-3 mm long; surface capilitial net distinctive, uniform, small meshed, with rare extensions; capilitial internal net sparse, thick, with some membranous expansions; columella reaching the tip of sporocarps, gradually tapering toward the top, frequently bended in the upper part of the sporocarp; stalks short, blackish brown to black, shiny; hypothallus membranous, shiny; plasmodium white; spores on mass abundant, dark brown. Spores evenly, densely but minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 7,9 [8,2 ; 8,3] 8,7 x 7,3 [7,8 ; 8] 8,4 microns; Q = [1 ; 1,07] 1,1; N = 36; C = 95%; Me = 8,3 x 7,9 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Average outer net (peridium) mesh 21 microns in diameter (SD=7 microns, N=30). Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (capillitium, stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (capillitium). AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203.(2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541.(3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) S. Behri, Raznolikost Pravih Sluzavk (Myxomycetes) v okolici Mengea, (in Slovene) (True Slime Molds (Myxomicetes) Diversity in Vicinity of Menge) (in Slovene), Graduation Thesis, University Studies, University in Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Biology department (2015), p 119. (5) H. Neubert, W. Nowotny, K. Baumann - H. Marx, Die Myxomyceten Deutschlands und des angrenzenden Alpenraumes unter besonderen Bercksichtigung sterreichs, Vol.3., Karlheinz Baumann Verlag, (2000), p 284.
-
Fuligo septica (L.)Wigg., syn. Mucorsepticus L., Reticularia septica (L.) With., Aethalium septicum (L.) Fr., Fuligo varians Sommerf.Scrambled-egg slime, Dog vomit slime mold, Flowers of Tan, DE: Gelbe Lohblte, HexenbutterSlo.: reslov cvetThe aethalium picture taken on July 21. Dat.: July 21. 2014Code: Bot_815/2014_DSC2009 Lat.: 46.36114 Long.: 13.70122Habitat: old partly tree overgrown pasture, near mixed wood edge; moderately southeast inclined foot of an old overgrown scree slope; open, dry, sunny place; shallow, skeletal, calcareous ground, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 630 m (2.070 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: a stump of Picea abies cut down three years ago.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, upper part of 'Na Melu' place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC.Comment: Myxomycetes are poorly known yet very interesting creatures. For decades they have been shuffled back and forth between the animal and plants kingdoms until recognized as separate creatures. They are not animals because they proliferate by spores. They are also not plants since they crumble around (an animal like ability) and fix themselves firmly to substrate only at the end of their life cycle. They don't produce their own food like plants but feed by 'hunting' (actually engulfing) bacteria and tiny bits of other organic matter, which is another animal like feature. The first stage in their development cycle, which is observable in the field, is called plasmodium. Earlier stages (from myxoflagellates, myxoamoebae, to zygote) are microscopic and can be observed only in labs. Plasmodium is a single giant living cell, a clump of protoplasm filled with thousands of cell nuclei, crawling around, eating bacteria and growing. Some of such plasmodia are the largest cells of living creatures known. In some species they can measure several meters across or weight up to 20 kg. That it much larger than ostrich's eggs, which are popularly considered as 'largest living cells'! Plasmodia could be found in the field, some are even brightly colored and easy to spot; however, it is almost impossible to determine to which species they belong. Plasmodium of Fuligo septica is commonly described like disgusting mucus, spilled scrambled eggs, dogs vomiting and other 'benevolent' portrayals.When the time is right or delicate environmental conditions required for growth worsen plasmodia eventually evolves (usually almost completely) into sporocarps of different forms. These are bodies producing spores and then vanishing. In genus Fuligo sporocarp is a cushion like aethalium sitting on a thin whitish, 'fibrous' layer called hypothallus (Fig.14.). These'cushions' are what one usually finds in the field. But, other Myxomycetes develop also many other forms of sporocarps full of beauty, delicacy and imagination. Aethalia of Fuligo septica are usually covered with a kind of crust called cortex, which is brittle and soon crumbles away. In humid conditions it may not fully develop (Ref.1). Inside a mature aethalium there is a mesh of thin tubes or fibers called capillitium and zillions of dark brown spores. Fuligo septica has characteristic nodes on capillitial tubes, which are clearly seen on Fig. 4M. In due course the aethalium decomposes almost entirely into spore mass (Fig.17., 18.), which are sooner or later blown or washed away (Fig.20. taken about three weeks after the first photo). Size and shape of spores and structure of their surface are important traits for species determination. Cushion-shaped aethalium measured approximately 14 x 5 cm and was about 3 cm thick. Spores are minutely warty and globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 8 [8,4 ; 8,7] 9,1 x 7,4 [8 ; 8,2] 8,7 microns; Q = [1 ; 1,07] 1,1; N = 25; C = 95%; Me = 8,5 x 8,1 microns; Qe = 1,05. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (hypothallus); in water, living material. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Spore sample taken on July 23. 2014.Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland, The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 246(2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 123(3)
www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/physaraceae/physa02.htm 6-9(4) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Bozzonet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p128; Vol.2., p168.
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 20. 2016 - 19:47|Code: Bot_1075/2017_DSC8324Lat.: 46.35975 Long.: 13.70152Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant tree following by Picea abies; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect, old colluvial, calcareous, skeletal ground; in shade; relatively warm and dry place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 602 m (1.970 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: old, cut off, standing trunk of Fagus sylvatica, partly debarked.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to the trail from Trenta 2b cottage to Strgulc abandoned farm house, Soa 48, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Stemonitis lignicola is generally considered a quite rare species. However, all macro and micro traits of this find as well as substratum fit well to Stemonitis lignicola descriptions in literature. An exception may be slightly large spores. However, the observed differences in diameter are roughly of the same size as between an example shown in Ref. 3 compared to average given in Ref.: 2. Capillitium extensions (resembling warts or free ends) were found rare and small. Note that Ref: 2 doesn't mention capillitium extensions at all and talks about smooth capilitial threads, while Ref.: 5 claims presence of capillitium extensions for this species.Sporocarps cylindrical, somewhat curved, about 12 mm high and 0.35-0.45 mm in diameter, stalks 2.5-3 mm long; surface capilitial net distinctive, uniform, small meshed, with rare extensions; capilitial internal net sparse, thick, with some membranous expansions; columella reaching the tip of sporocarps, gradually tapering toward the top, frequently bended in the upper part of the sporocarp; stalks short, blackish brown to black, shiny; hypothallus membranous, shiny; plasmodium white; spores on mass abundant, dark brown. Spores evenly, densely but minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 7,9 [8,2 ; 8,3] 8,7 x 7,3 [7,8 ; 8] 8,4 microns; Q = [1 ; 1,07] 1,1; N = 36; C = 95%; Me = 8,3 x 7,9 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Average outer net (peridium) mesh 21 microns in diameter (SD=7 microns, N=30). Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (capillitium, stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (capillitium). AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203.(2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541.(3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) S. Behri, Raznolikost Pravih Sluzavk (Myxomycetes) v okolici Mengea, (in Slovene) (True Slime Molds (Myxomicetes) Diversity in Vicinity of Menge) (in Slovene), Graduation Thesis, University Studies, University in Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Biology department (2015), p 119. (5) H. Neubert, W. Nowotny, K. Baumann - H. Marx, Die Myxomyceten Deutschlands und des angrenzenden Alpenraumes unter besonderen Bercksichtigung sterreichs, Vol.3., Karlheinz Baumann Verlag, (2000), p 284.
-
Fuligo septica (L.) Wigg., syn. Mucorsepticus L., Reticularia septica (L.) With., Aethalium septicum (L.) Fr., Fuligo varians Sommerf.Scrambled-egg slime, Dog vomit slime mold, Flowers of Tan, DE: Gelbe Lohblte, HexenbutterSlo.: reslov cvetThe first aethalium picture taken on July 18. 2014. Dat.: July 18. 2014Lat.: 46.36113 Long.: 13.70122Code: Bot_814/2014_DSC1863 Habitat: old partly overgrown pasture, near mixed wood edge, moderately southeast inclined foot of a mountain; open, dry, sunny place; shallow, skeletal, calcareous ground, old overgrown scree slope; exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 630 m (2.070 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: stump of Picea abies cut down three years ago.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, upper part of 'Na melu' place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia ECComments: It is interesting to follow how aethalium was developing and decaying over almost one month period. 'Fibrous' layer called hypothallus is shown on picture 3. Cushion-shaped aethalium measured approximately 12 x 4 cm and was about 2 cm thick (when first photographed). I found six such aethalia this day on three stumps in only a few meters distance.Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland, The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 246.(2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 123.(3)
www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/physaraceae/physa02.htm
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 19. 2016 - 21:25Code: Bot_1075/2017_DSC02541Lat.: 46.35975 Long.: 13.70152Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant tree following by Picea abies; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect, old colluvial, calcareous, skeletal ground; in shade; relatively warm and dry place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 602 m (1.970 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: old, cut off, standing trunk of Fagus sylvatica, partly debarked.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to the trail from Trenta 2b cottage to Strgulc abandoned farm house, Soa 48, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Stemonitis lignicola is generally considered a quite rare species. However, all macro and micro traits of this find as well as substratum fit well to Stemonitis lignicola descriptions in literature. An exception may be slightly large spores. However, the observed differences in diameter are roughly of the same size as between an example shown in Ref. 3 compared to average given in Ref.: 2. Capillitium extensions (resembling warts or free ends) were found rare and small. Note that Ref: 2 doesn't mention capillitium extensions at all and talks about smooth capilitial threads, while Ref.: 5 claims presence of capillitium extensions for this species.Sporocarps cylindrical, somewhat curved, about 12 mm high and 0.35-0.45 mm in diameter, stalks 2.5-3 mm long; surface capilitial net distinctive, uniform, small meshed, with rare extensions; capilitial internal net sparse, thick, with some membranous expansions; columella reaching the tip of sporocarps, gradually tapering toward the top, frequently bended in the upper part of the sporocarp; stalks short, blackish brown to black, shiny; hypothallus membranous, shiny; plasmodium white; spores on mass abundant, dark brown. Spores evenly, densely but minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 7,9 [8,2 ; 8,3] 8,7 x 7,3 [7,8 ; 8] 8,4 microns; Q = [1 ; 1,07] 1,1; N = 36; C = 95%; Me = 8,3 x 7,9 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Average outer net (peridium) mesh 21 microns in diameter (SD=7 microns, N=30). Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (capillitium, stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (capillitium). AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203.(2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541.(3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) S. Behri, Raznolikost Pravih Sluzavk (Myxomycetes) v okolici Mengea, (in Slovene) (True Slime Molds (Myxomicetes) Diversity in Vicinity of Menge) (in Slovene), Graduation Thesis, University Studies, University in Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Biology department (2015), p 119. (5) H. Neubert, W. Nowotny, K. Baumann - H. Marx, Die Myxomyceten Deutschlands und des angrenzenden Alpenraumes unter besonderen Bercksichtigung sterreichs, Vol.3., Karlheinz Baumann Verlag, (2000), p 284.
-
Orinda, California, United States
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 06. 2016Lat.: 46.36002 Long.: 13.70436Code: Bot_984/2016_DSC3464Habitat: grassy yard of a farmhouse, open place; almost flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; partly in shade; partly protected from direct rain by the trough, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 570 m (1.870 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: eleven years old, handmade wooden water trough (Larix decidua wood), standing on four thin wooden legs; wood still (almost) intact, the trough still capable to hold water.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to Trenta 2, Skokar (abandoned) farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Spore dimensions and type of surface, size and color of the sporocarps, small meshed, persistent peridial net, sparsely branched internal capillitium with extensions, wavy columella toward its end, columella reaching the apex of the sporocarps, as well as habitus and substratum fit well to the description of Stemonitis lignicola in the literature. Sporocarps 8.2-8.5 mm high, stalks 2- 2.1 mm long. Spore print abundant, dark brown. What I am curious is, did the whole development process of this myxomicete from start to the end take place on the water trough (which is most of the time dry and standing in free air), or did this thing really climb up one of the thin trough's legs in the form of plasmodium before building sporocarps?Spores evenly, densely and minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 6,8 [7,2; 7,4] 7,8 x 6 [6,6 ; 6,8] 7,3 microns; Q = 1 [1,1] 1,2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 7,3 x 6,7 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Outer net (peridium) mesh dimensions: 7.5 [19.3 ; 23.2] 35 x 7 [15.3 ; 18] 26.3 microns; Q = 0.8 [1.2 ; 1.4] 1.8; N = 50; C = 95%; Me = 21.2 x 16.7 microns; Qe = 1.3. The largest meshes haven't been taken into account; assuming they are the consequence of damages during microscopy. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium extensions), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (peridium, capillitium), in air without cover glass. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203. (2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541. (3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) Personal communication with Mr. Marko Sovre, owner of the water trough, who showed me the find.
-
Crestwood, New South Wales, Australia
-
Stemonitis lignicola Nann.-Bremek, syn.: Stemonitis splendens MorenoSlo.: no name.Dat.: July 06. 2016Lat.: 46.36002 Long.: 13.70436Code: Bot_984/2016_DSC3464Habitat: grassy yard of a farmhouse, open place; almost flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; partly in shade; partly protected from direct rain by the trough, average precipitation ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 570 m (1.870 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: eleven years old, handmade wooden water trough (Larix decidua wood), standing on four thin wooden legs; wood still (almost) intact, the trough still capable to hold water.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, right bank of river Soa, next to Trenta 2, Skokar (abandoned) farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Spore dimensions and type of surface, size and color of the sporocarps, small meshed, persistent peridial net, sparsely branched internal capillitium with extensions, wavy columella toward its end, columella reaching the apex of the sporocarps, as well as habitus and substratum fit well to the description of Stemonitis lignicola in the literature. Sporocarps 8.2-8.5 mm high, stalks 2- 2.1 mm long. Spore print abundant, dark brown. What I am curious is, did the whole development process of this myxomicete from start to the end take place on the water trough (which is most of the time dry and standing in free air), or did this thing really climb up one of the thin trough's legs in the form of plasmodium before building sporocarps?Spores evenly, densely and minutely warty (verruculose); globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 6,8 [7,2; 7,4] 7,8 x 6 [6,6 ; 6,8] 7,3 microns; Q = 1 [1,1] 1,2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 7,3 x 6,7 microns; Qe = 1,1. Taken from dried material by gently tapping sporocarps. Outer net (peridium) mesh dimensions: 7.5 [19.3 ; 23.2] 35 x 7 [15.3 ; 18] 26.3 microns; Q = 0.8 [1.2 ; 1.4] 1.8; N = 50; C = 95%; Me = 21.2 x 16.7 microns; Qe = 1.3. The largest meshes haven't been taken into account; assuming they are the consequence of damages during microscopy. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), in water; NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium extensions), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (stalk); Bausch & Lomb, 4x/0.10, magnification 40x (peridium, capillitium), in air without cover glass. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland,The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 203. (2) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p 541. (3) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Borronet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.2., p 538. (4) Personal communication with Mr. Marko Sovre, owner of the water trough, who showed me the find.
-
Fuligo septica (L.)Wigg., syn. Mucorsepticus L., Reticularia septica (L.) With., Aethalium septicum (L.) Fr., Fuligo varians Sommerf.Scrambled-egg slime, Dog vomit slime mold, Flowers of Tan, DE: Gelbe Lohblte, HexenbutterSlo.: reslov cvetThe aethalium picture taken on July 21. Dat.: July 21. 2014Code: Bot_815/2014_DSC2009 Lat.: 46.36114 Long.: 13.70122Habitat: old partly tree overgrown pasture, near mixed wood edge; moderately southeast inclined foot of an old overgrown scree slope; open, dry, sunny place; shallow, skeletal, calcareous ground, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 630 m (2.070 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: a stump of Picea abies cut down three years ago.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, upper part of 'Na Melu' place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC.Comment: Myxomycetes are poorly known yet very interesting creatures. For decades they have been shuffled back and forth between the animal and plants kingdoms until recognized as separate creatures. They are not animals because they proliferate by spores. They are also not plants since they crumble around (an animal like ability) and fix themselves firmly to substrate only at the end of their life cycle. They don't produce their own food like plants but feed by 'hunting' (actually engulfing) bacteria and tiny bits of other organic matter, which is another animal like feature. The first stage in their development cycle, which is observable in the field, is called plasmodium. Earlier stages (from myxoflagellates, myxoamoebae, to zygote) are microscopic and can be observed only in labs. Plasmodium is a single giant living cell, a clump of protoplasm filled with thousands of cell nuclei, crawling around, eating bacteria and growing. Some of such plasmodia are the largest cells of living creatures known. In some species they can measure several meters across or weight up to 20 kg. That it much larger than ostrich's eggs, which are popularly considered as 'largest living cells'! Plasmodia could be found in the field, some are even brightly colored and easy to spot; however, it is almost impossible to determine to which species they belong. Plasmodium of Fuligo septica is commonly described like disgusting mucus, spilled scrambled eggs, dogs vomiting and other 'benevolent' portrayals.When the time is right or delicate environmental conditions required for growth worsen plasmodia eventually evolves (usually almost completely) into sporocarps of different forms. These are bodies producing spores and then vanishing. In genus Fuligo sporocarp is a cushion like aethalium sitting on a thin whitish, 'fibrous' layer called hypothallus (Fig.14.). These'cushions' are what one usually finds in the field. But, other Myxomycetes develop also many other forms of sporocarps full of beauty, delicacy and imagination. Aethalia of Fuligo septica are usually covered with a kind of crust called cortex, which is brittle and soon crumbles away. In humid conditions it may not fully develop (Ref.1). Inside a mature aethalium there is a mesh of thin tubes or fibers called capillitium and zillions of dark brown spores. Fuligo septica has characteristic nodes on capillitial tubes, which are clearly seen on Fig. 4M. In due course the aethalium decomposes almost entirely into spore mass (Fig.17., 18.), which are sooner or later blown or washed away (Fig.20. taken about three weeks after the first photo). Size and shape of spores and structure of their surface are important traits for species determination. Cushion-shaped aethalium measured approximately 14 x 5 cm and was about 3 cm thick. Spores are minutely warty and globose to subglobose. Dimensions: 8 [8,4 ; 8,7] 9,1 x 7,4 [8 ; 8,2] 8,7 microns; Q = [1 ; 1,07] 1,1; N = 25; C = 95%; Me = 8,5 x 8,1 microns; Qe = 1,05. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil (spores), NEA 40x/0.65, magnification 400x (capillitium), NEA 10x/0.25, magnification 100x (hypothallus); in water, living material. AmScope MA500 digital camera. Spore sample taken on July 23. 2014.Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Vena pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJFRef.:(1) B. Ing, The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland, The Richmond Publ. Co.Ltd, (1999), p 246(2) S.L.Stephenson and H.Stempen, Myxomycetes, Timber Press Inc.(2000), p 123(3)
www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/physaraceae/physa02.htm 6-9(4) M. Poulain, M. Meyer, J. Bozzonet, Les Myxomycetes, FMBDS (2011), Vol.1., p128; Vol.2., p168.
-
This showed up on the newly mulched area outside my work building. Large patches, up to 5 inches in diameter. Really looks like its name!