Content
At the first stage, Enteridium puffball is in the plasmodium phase. The second stage is reproductive. The food 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 sclerotium and does not develop until weather conditions with the necessary humidity for its growth are established.
The first phase of enteridium development
Where does Enteridium puffball grow?
Enteridium puffball grows on dried tree branches, such as alder, on stumps, and logs. Often in the forest you can find slime molds on healthy trees and most often in the second stage of development (mature). The slime mold remains in the first phase for only a short time, during which time it has a white, creamy consistency. It is very rare to see a slime mold in the first stage of life.
A fungus settles on a dead tree trunk
This mushroom loves damp areas. As a rule, these areas are located near swamps, near rivers and streams. It has been established that mushrooms settle on already dead elms, pine trees, on the trunks of elderberry, poplar, and hazel. Fruiting occurs in late spring and autumn.
The mushroom is common in Mexico, England, Ireland and other European countries.
What does Enteridium puffball look like?
The entire phase of fungal development consists of two cycles - nutritional (plasmodium) and reproductive (sporangium). During the cytoplasmic process, fusion occurs between plant cells.
The reproductive cycle is transitional to a spherical form. The mushroom takes on the shape of a ball or an elongated oval. The diameter of the body varies from 50 to 80 mm. Externally, the mushroom is similar to slug eggs (in the initial stage). The raincoat is sticky and adhesive to the touch.
The surface has a silvery coating and is distinguished by its smoothness. When ripe, the surface becomes brown. Having fully matured, it disintegrates into small parts, and with its spores it sows the surrounding areas.
Raincoat spores are spherical or ovoid in shape. Color brown, spotted. The maximum size is 7 microns.
The final cycle of fungal development (sporangia)
Is it possible to eat Enteridium puffball?
Enteridium puffball cannot be used as food, although it is not considered poisonous and is not toxic. This type of slime mold is not similar to other varieties of this family.
Conclusion
Enteridium puffball attracts flies, they lay larvae in the spore mass. Next, they spread the spores to multiple trees, where they take root and go through new cycles of their life activity.
