Fuligo

Fuligo septica

Fuligo, genus of true slime molds (class Myxomycetes; q.v.) whose large fruiting body (compound sporangia), 5 centimetres (2 inches) or more long and about half as wide, occur commonly on decaying wood. The sporangia, on bursting, release fine black spores. Fuligo septica, the best-known species, is also called “flowers of tan,” from the frequent appearance of its yellow fruiting body in tan bark bits used for tanning hides.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.