Scientific name: Multiclavula mucida (Pers.) R. H.
Petersen
Derivation of name: Mucid- means "slimy."
Synonyms: Clavaria mucida Pers.
Common name(s): White green-algae coral
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Order: Cantharellales
Family: Clavulinaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate: Saprobic; scattered or
grouped on algae-covered, wet, rotting wood; July through
September.
Dimensions: These tiny white clubs are up to 15 mm tall and
1-1.5 mm wide.
Description: These white, slender, cylindrical clubs are simple
or sometimes forked.
Edibility: Unknown.
Comments: This lichenized coral fungus is always found in
association with green algae on debarked logs.
More information at LichenPortal.org:
Figure 1. These specimens of Multiclavula mucida were
brought in at a foray. Although tiny, they are fairly
conspicuous when you know what to look for.
Photo © Gary Emberger.
Figure 2. A collection of Multiclavula mucida specimens on
wood brought in during a foray. Interestingly, the tips of
the
fruit bodies are all bending in the same direction - suggesting
a response to light (i.e., phototropism)
or gravity
(i..e, gravitropism). Photo © Gary Emberger.
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Figure 3. Closeup of tips of fruit bodies in Figure 2. The
browning of the tips is likely due to dehydration.
Photo © Gary Emberger.
Figure 4. The fruit bodies of Multiclavula mucida are
typically erect. Photo © John Plischke III.
Figure 5.
The tips of Multiclavula mucida are sometimes
forked.
Photo © John Dawson.
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