Scientific name: Leotia atrovirens Pers.
Derivation of name: Leot- means "smooth." Atr- means
"black" and virens means"green." The name describes the
smooth,
dark green caps these fungi
may have.
Synonyms: See comments.
Common name(s): Green jelly club.
Phylum: Ascomycota
Order: Helotiales
Family: Leotiaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate: Saprobic; in groups on soil,
in mosses, or on well-decayed wood; July through October.
Dimensions: The cap is 6-12 mm wide and the stalk may be
1-4.5 cm tall.
Description: The gelatinous greenish cap is irregularly rounded
and flattened. Caps may be smooth or furrowed and have
inrolled margins. Stalks are pale green and usually roughened.
Edibility: Unknown.
Comments:
According to some authors, Leotia atrovirens
may
actually be Leotia
lubrica parasitized by an asexual
fungus resulting in the change in color.
More information at MushroomExpert.com:
Figure 1. Here, among mosses, is a typical habitat for this
species. Photo © Dianna Smith.
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Figure 2. Along with Leotia atrovirens, L. lubrica is
also
present. Photo © Dianna Smith.
Figure 3. This is how a specimen of Leotia atrovirens
might
show up at a foray. Photo © Gary Emberger.
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