Lycogala epidendrum.
Pink and brown slime moulds.
Myxogastria > Order Liceales > Family Tubiferaceae.
It is sometimes seen under Order Liceales > Family Reticulariaceae.
A widespread slime mould whose fruiting bodies (aethalia) can be mistaken for a fungus.
The reddish plasmodial phase is rarely seen but in unfavourable conditions it converts to visible
fruiting bodies found scattered or in clusters on rotting wood.
The aethalia are 3 to 15 mm across and of variable colour – bright red or pink when young.
As they mature they become a deep yellow-brown or greenish black.
The surface has a slightly nodular or warty appearance.
When young the interior is filled with a pinkish paste like liquid.
At maturity the interior is filled with powdery, pinkish to purplish-grey spores.
J.F.
