Content
Licogala woodum is a representative of the Reticulariaceae, genus Licogala. It is a type of mold that parasitizes rotting trees. The Latin name is lycogala epidendrum. In common parlance, this species is called “wolf’s milk.”
Where does Licogala wood grow?
The specimen in question begins to bear fruit only after complete depletion of the area of wood on which it is located.
Wolf's milk is a fairly common species, and therefore it can be found in almost every corner of the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Licogala wood grows in dense groups on old stumps, dead wood, rotting wood, and prefers damp places. It can be found not only in forests of various types, but also in garden plots or parks. The optimal time for growth is from June to September. In hot and dry seasons, this species may appear much earlier than the specified period.
What does the slime mold look like?
Slime mold spores are full-fledged and independent organisms, which are close in structure to amoebas
The fruiting body of Lycogala epidendrum is spherical, regular or irregular in shape. When young, it is colored pink or red, and as it matures it acquires dark brown shades. The size of one ball reaches up to 2 cm in diameter. The surface of the woody lycogal is scaly, and inside it there is a reddish or pinkish mucus-like liquid, which splashes when pressed. The shell of the fruit is very thin, it is damaged almost at the slightest touch. In overripe slime molds, it ruptures on its own, causing colorless spores to come out and disperse into the air.
Is it possible to eat wolf's milk mushroom?
This type of mold is definitely inedible and therefore cannot be used as food. Some sources claim that inside the fruiting body of Lycogala woodum there are spores that carry various diseases.
For this reason, these mushrooms should not be stomped on or snorted.
Conclusion
Licogala woodum is a rather interesting specimen, which often catches the eye not only in various forests, but also in garden plots, as well as in parks.It is difficult to call this species a mushroom, since recently the category of slime molds refers to mushroom-like organisms. The wolf's milk mushroom is inedible and does not carry any other value; on the contrary, some experts believe that it is dangerous for humans. Whether this is true or fiction, one can only guess, but the facts of damage by lycohala spores have not yet been registered.
