Slime mould; Lamproderma, Metatrichia or other?

[Gerel]

Hi,

Found this slime mould today, this is part of a much larger 'fruiting'. Is it Lamproderma , Metatrichia or something else, and what are the identifying characteristics?



regards

Steve

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Gerel

Hi,

Found this slime mould today, this is part of a much larger 'fruiting'. Is it Lamproderma , Metatrichia or something else, and what are the identifying characteristics?



regards

Steve

Very likely Metatrichia floriformis Steve. Typical stalks. See the recent images in the Gallery.

John

[Chris Yeates]

hi Steve

I agree with John, note also the reddish stems (± translucent in transmitted light you will find); the extreme left hand one show to some degree the flower-like splitting ('petaloid dehiscence') to shed the spores

at the beginning of the 20thC this was rare, but has increased spectacularly

cheers

Chris

[Gerel]

Thanks guys,

this was a first for me, and brings me up to eight (I think) slime moulds from this field and its boundaries. I had another look today and there were a few that had turned orange and fluffy, I'll try again tomorrow because I'd like to get an "after" picture.

Steve

ps Any idea why it has flourished so much Chris?

[Gerel]

Had another look today, mostly its still black but a few had burst open like these.