Content
Until recently, Mucilago corticalus was classified as a fungus. In recent years, it has been classified as a separate group of myxomycetes (mushroom-like), or, simply, slime molds.
Mucilago corticalus loves to settle on tree branches, which it clings to on all sides with its light coral-shaped outgrowths
Where does mucilago cortical grow?
Mainly lives in countries with warm, humid climates. Here it can be found almost throughout the year. In temperate latitudes it is more common in deciduous forests, from summer to late autumn.
It goes through several main life phases of its development:
- creeping plasmodium (lives unnoticed in the soil);
- sporulation (comes to the surface in the form of fruiting bodies);
- temporary withering (dries out, but in this form can retain vital functions for several decades).
Mucilago cortical is clearly visible in thick green grass or moss
What does mucilago cortical look like?
Mucilago corticalus is a plant organism that looks very much like a mushroom fruiting body. It is quite large in size, so it is easy to spot. In addition, it has a white or light color - against the background of green grass and moss, it immediately catches the eye. The structure of the body is soft, loose, covered with a thin crust on top, due to which the plant received its name.
The external resemblance to mushrooms ends there, although they have some points of intersection. For example, both of them reproduce by spores and can live in the soil or come to the surface.
The differences between them are much greater:
- nutrition is completely different;
- the outer cover does not consist of chitin, like that of mushrooms, but of lime;
- the fruiting body is not a whole organism, but consists of many individual plasmodia;
- can move at a speed of 0.5-1 cm per hour.
If fungi absorb organic matter from the soil, myxomycetes do this through the cell membrane. The fruiting body envelops particles of organic matter (food) and encloses them inside the cell in special vesicles. There the process of decomposition and digestion takes place.
Externally, mucilago cortical is very similar to thick semolina porridge
Is it possible to eat mucilago cortical mushroom?
This mushroom-like organism is completely inedible. Its function in nature is other than serving as food for other living beings. Being in the plasmodium stage, it feeds on harmful bacteria, clearing them from the upper layers of the soil. Thus, it provides an invaluable service to all living nature and humans, including by healing and cleaning the external environment.
Conclusion
Mucilago cortical is quite common in our forests. But it is absolutely useless for humans as a source of nutrition.Therefore, it is best to leave the mushroom in its place - this way it will bring maximum benefit, healing the microflora of the soil and the environment.
