Myxomycete-plasmodium(class)

A slime mould at O'Connor, ACT

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Identification history

Myxomycete-plasmodium(class)	27 Sep 2016	Heino
Myxomycete-plasmodium(class)	27 Sep 2016	Heino
Unverified	24 Sep 2016	MichaelMulvaney

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User's notes

Strange white gooey lumpy stuff that looked like it was digesting small fallen branch of Exocarpus cupressiformis. Covered an area of about 20cm x 10cm

4 comments

Heino wrote:

28 Sep 2016

This is a myxomycete (or slime mould) part way through the transition from the mobile (or plasmodial) stage to the stationary, sporing stage. In the plasmodial stage a myxomycete has no definite form. Here you see the beginnings of the development of numerous small, ball-like bodies. Eventually each would become a small ball, consisting of a very thin, brittle case within which there is a mass of powdery spores. You can get the idea of the changes from this photo (http://www.cpbr.gov.au/fungi/images-captions/leocarpus-fragilus-0311.html) where you see some plasmodium (like soft butter), an intermediate stage (yellow balls) and numerous mature spore capsules (dark brown). That gives the idea but yours is different (a white/creamy plasmodium). I did once see something like this that, at maturity, turned out to be a species of Physarum. However, plasmodial colour alone carries little information, so while you might also have a species of that genus, I can't be sure from the photo.

MichaelMulvaney wrote:

28 Sep 2016

Thanks Heino, is it worth me going back in a week, two weeks or so to photograph the slime mould at maturity?

Heino wrote:

28 Sep 2016

The time of maturity is hard to predict. It may already have happened. Once mature, the brittle cases can break easily and you may find little, if anything, left. If you happen to be going there, it won't hurt to look, but go with a pessimistic mind! Note that it might still not be identifiable from a photo.

MichaelMulvaney wrote:

28 Sep 2016

Thanks Heino will have a look this weekend as a natural born optimist

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Location information

Sighting information

At least 1 Abundance
24 Sep 2016 01:33 PM Recorded on
MichaelMulvaney Recorded by
Collections
MichaelMulvaney Canberra & Southern Tablelands NatureMapr Myxomycete-plasmodium(class) Slime Moulds

Species information

Myxomycete-plasmodium(class) Scientific name
A slime mould Common name
Not Sensitive
Local native
Non-invasive or negligible
Up to 1248m Recorded at altitude