Garden Fungi – Fuligo septica

 
Fuligo septica

(© SJM McMullan-Fisher)

Fuligo septica

(© SJM McMullan-Fisher)

fuligo_septica_01_SN_300

(© Susan Nelles)

fuligo_septica_02_SN_300

(© Susan Nelles)

 
Grows in MULCH and LEAF LITTER.
 
This is a slime mould. It is commonly called the “Dog Vomit” fungus.
 
Fruit-body: First appears as a bright yellow, sticky mass of variable size usually on garden mulch (this is its “sporangium-producing” phase). As it ages, the mass changes colour to white and eventually becomes a brown-black dusty mass.
 
Stem: None.
 
Spore print: Spore mass is deep violet.
 
Smell: Not tested.
 
Habit: Can be solitary, often numerous masses on recently laid mulch.
 
Notes: Common in gardens, parks etc..
 
This is a Fungimap target species.