Identification: Can someone identify this?

Discussion in 'Fungi, Lichens and Slime Molds' started by mcian, Jul 1, 2009.

  1. mcian

    mcian Member

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    Hello,

    I am hoping some can help me identify the fungus in the attached photo. I am in Southern California and found it in my potted heather plant this morning.

    The "beads" are a pale orange and vary in size from between ~5-20mm.

    Thanks for your help.

    Ian
     

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    mcian, Jul 1, 2009
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  2. MycoRob

    MycoRob Active Member

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    That's a slime mold. It's actually in the Kindgom Protista not Fungi. Most would call what you have Lycogala epidendrum.
     
    MycoRob, Jul 1, 2009
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  3. C.Wick

    C.Wick Active Member

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    These will quickly turn brownish/gray....and spore. they're very good for you're soil for some reason...don't dig them out? they'll just continue sporing/fruiting anyway. when my son and I find Wolf's Milk we pop the orange balls....kinda neat to see the 'toothpaste'.
     
    C.Wick, Jul 2, 2009
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  4. mcian

    mcian Member

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    Thanks for your replies. Very interesting. Wondering if there is any chance of harm to the heather plant, though?

    Ian
     
    mcian, Jul 2, 2009
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  5. C.Wick

    C.Wick Active Member

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    I've only seen these decompose on wood? This variety, doesn't that I know of, 'like' plants. So pretty sure they're safe. I've seen these many times...and only on wood.
     
    C.Wick, Jul 3, 2009
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