Contents
At the first stage, the puffball enteridium is in the plasmodium phase. The second stage is reproductive. Nutrition includes all kinds of bacteria, mold, yeast and inorganic matter. The main condition for development is air humidity. In dry weather, the plasmodium turns into a sclerotium, does not develop until the weather establishes with the humidity necessary for its growth.
The first phase of enteridium development
Where does enteridium puffball grow?
Enteridium raincoat grows on dried branches of trees, for example, alder, on stumps, logs. Often in the forest you can find slime molds on healthy trees and most often in the second stage of development (mature). In the first phase, the slime mold is not very long, at this time it has a white, creamy consistency. It is very rare to see a slime mold at the first stage of life.
Mushroom settles on a dead tree trunk
This mushroom loves wet areas. As a rule, these sites are located near swamps, near rivers, streams. It has been established that mushrooms settle on already dead elms, pines, on the trunks of elder, poplar, hazel. Fruiting occurs in late spring and autumn.
The fungus is common in Mexico, England, Ireland and other European countries.
What does enteridium raincoat look like?
The entire phase of the development of the fungus consists of two cycles – nutritional (plasmodium), reproductive (sporangium). During the cytoplasmic process, the cells of the plant merge with each other.
The reproductive cycle is transitional to a spherical shape. The mushroom takes on the shape of a ball or an elongated oval. In diameter, the body varies from 50 to 80 mm. Outwardly, the fungus is similar to the eggs of slugs (in the initial stage). The raincoat is sticky, sticky to the touch.
The surface has a silvery coating, stands out for its smoothness. When ripe, the surface becomes brown. Fully ripe, it breaks up into small parts, with its spores it sows the surrounding areas.
Raincoat spores are spherical or ovoid. Color brown, mottled. The maximum size is 7 microns.
The final development cycle of the fungus (sporangia)
Is it possible to eat enteridium raincoat
Enteridium raincoat should not be used for food, although it is not considered poisonous, it is not toxic. This type of slime mold is not similar to other varieties of this family.
Conclusion
Enteridium puffball attracts flies, they lay their larvae in the spore mass. Then they spread the spores to multiple trees, where they take root and go through new cycles of their life.