Leotia viscosa

Scientific name:  Leotia viscosa Fr.
Derivation of nameLeot- means "smooth." Visc- means
"sticky" or viscid in reference to the stickiness of this smooth
fungus when moist.
Synonyms: See comments. 
Common name(s):  Green-headed jelly club.
Phylum:   Ascomycota
Order:   Helotiales
Family:   Leotiaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate:  Saprobic; in clusters on the
ground and well-decayed wood; July through October. 
Dimensions:  Green-headed jelly club may be up to 6.5 cm tall
with a well-defined head.   
Description:  The olive-green to dark green head is distinctive
together with the pale yellow to yellow-orange stalk.  These
fungi are rubbery or gelatinous in texture.      
Edibility:  Unknown.
Comments: Leotia viscosa is considered by some authors
to be a synonym of Leotia lubrica. But see comments under
L. lubrica.

More information at MushroomExpert.com:    

 


Figure 1. Although called jelly fungi, these organisms are
ascomycetes, forming asci and ascospores unlike the true
jelly fungi which are basidiomycetes.
Photo © Pam Kaminski.


Figure 2. Leotia viscosa collected during a foray.
Photo © Gary Emberger.

 

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