Myxomycete with the ability to accumulate heavy metals. Lycogala epidendrum

Abstract

Diagnostic features. Unmistakable and easily recognized in field to generic level with unaided eye; identification to species level less straightforward: aethalia conspicuous, like small puffballs, usually on dead wood or sawdust, sometimes forming large colonies, gregarious, up to 15 mm diam., pulvinate, wider than high, at first coral red, later brown; scales of cortex not grouped; spores at first pinkish grey en masse, rapidly becoming grey or beige.