Leotia atrovirens

Scientific nameLeotia atrovirens Pers.  
Derivation of nameLeot- 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.



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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