Lycoperdon epidendron Bull., Histoire des champignons de la France. I: 145, t. 503 (1791)
General description
Based on purely external similarity, this slime mold, described in the 17th century, was classified as a fungus, among which this and other slime mold species remained until the middle of the last century.
Plasmodium. Pink-coral in color. Inhabits shaded places. Macroscopically distinguishable but generally difficult to observe. After the period of vegetative growth, the plasmodium crawls to the surface and forms sporulations.
Aethalium. Spherical, cushion-like, 0.5–1.5 cm in diameter. Coloration in young stage pink or reddish; later fades to gray-brown. Surface rough. Occurring singly or clustered together but not completely fused. After spore maturation, the aethalium ruptures at the top, releasing the spore mass.
Flesh
In young stage tender, pink, "paste-like". After maturity brittle.
Odor
Absent
Microscopy
Spore print pinkish-gray in mass. Spores 6–8 µm, rounded, ornamented, colorless. Pseudocapillitium in the form of a system of flat, branching tubes with transverse folds on the surface.
Ecology and distribution
Occurs worldwide. On decaying wood.
Similar species
The sporulations resemble those of the slime mold Ground Wolf's Milk (Lycogala terrestre), whose aethalia are colored orange or apricot.
Notes
There is a great deal of information online claiming that the spores of Lycogala can germinate inside the human body, cause cancer, deep mycoses, and other diseases, leading to the conclusion that one should not even approach them. And the names bestowed upon this harmless slime mold—nothing less than "killer mushroom." Of course, it is impossible to take such claims seriously.
Related resources
Life of Plants. In 6 volumes. Chief editor: Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Prof. Al. A. Fedorov. Vol. 2. Fungi. Ed. by Prof. M. V. Gorlenko. Moscow, "Prosveshcheniye", 1976. 479 p. with illustrations; 32 p. of plates.
Fungi of the USSR. M. V. Gorlenko, M. A. Bondartseva, L. V. Garibova et al.; Resp. ed. M. V. Gorlenko. — Moscow: Mysl', 1980. — 303 p., illustrations, 40 p. of plates.
Link to this page for printed editions
Shipovalov A.G. Wolf's Milk Slime Mold (Lycogala epidendrum) - Mushrooms of Vologda Region [Electronic resource]
URL: https://xn----7sbancweblffgklubds60aja.xn--p1ai/en/wolfs-milk-slime-mold-lycogala-epidendrum (accessed: 13.04.2026).
Add new comment