Ceratiomyxa | |
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Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa | |
Scientific classification | |
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Genus: | Ceratiomyxa J. Schrot. (1889)
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Type species | |
Ceratiomyxa mucida (Pers.) J. Schröt.
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Species | |
C. fruticulosa |
Ceratiomyxa is a genus of plasmodial slime mould within the Eumycetozoa, first described by Pier Antonio Micheli. They are widely distributed and commonly found on decaying wood.
The plasmodium often appears as white frost-like growth or thin watery layers on wood. Pillar or wall-like sporangia bud from the plasmodium and develop spores that undergo multiple divisions before they release flagellated zoospores. The zoospores will then pair off, undergo plasmogamy, and form zygotes that will later form new plasmodia.
The genus currently contains 4 species. The most notable member is Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa, a slime mould found in most parts of the world. Other known species of Ceratiomyxa are mostly found in the tropics.