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Chlorociboria-Infected Wood with Rhizomorphs

Chlorociboria aeruginascens

Photo by Christine Y.
Published on Project Noah
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41.6237, -73.4136

Field Notes

Description:

I found this vibrant rotting log that was at least 50% infected with Chlorociboria aeruginascens (green-blue wood). When I pulled a chunk of wood off the log, this is what was underneath – a network of white rhizomorphs that had a pinkish red base. The rhizomorphs are most likely from an unknown, secondary fungus that is also living on this log.
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Chlorociboria species contain a napthaquinone pigment called xylindein, which is the reason for the characteristic bluish-green stain that occurs on wood that's infected by this species.
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Some species of fungi produce linear strings called hyphae. Fungal hyphae travel through the soil and colonize potential food sources. Sometimes, hyphae form larger structures called rhizomorphs. A rhizomorph is a rope-like aggregation of hyphal strands. Rhizomorphs have important functions that include branching out in search of food sources and transporting nutrients. Interestingly, some rhizomorphs are hollow (similar to plant xylem), which allows the fungus to transport large volumes of water and nutrients. Since rhizomorphs can travel farther than individual hyphae, they prove their worth by performing such critical functions.

Habitat:

Growing on a rotten log in a deciduous forest.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (16)

Thanks Mark, Lisa, and Brian! I was definitely surprised to see these beautiful rhizomorphs growing on the infected wood...although I didn't really know what they were until Mark told me!
Congratulation Christine! Very nice spotting and description!
Many congrats, Christine! I absolutely love this spotting!
Thank you so much Danièle for SOTD! Also, thanks Antònio for your comment!
Another amazing series Christine,beautiful,congrats on the well deserved SOTD and thanks for sharing
Congratulations Christine, this colorful an intricate scene allows us to feature more than one organism in our Spotting of the Day! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159755602570603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/941095340966666242
Thanks for your help Mark, I really appreciate it :). Thanks and you're welcome Danièle!
I would guess something else just co-habiting.. or just passing by.. but it might need a good microscope to be certain. Sure makes for a colorful scene though.
I wonder if the rhizomorphs are from the Chlorociboria infection, or if they are from a different fungus?

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