Chlorosplenium Chlora
ExploreFungi
Chlorosplenium Chlora
chlorosplenium chlora
Chlorosplenium Chlora is a captivating cup fungus that brings a brilliant splash of color to damp, decaying woodlands. Growing on the barkless decaying wood of deciduous trees, this tiny, cup-shaped fungus plays a vital role as a decomposer, breaking down complex organic materials and recycling nutrients back into the forest soil. While easily overlooked due to its diminutive size, a close inspection reveals bright sulfur-yellow to yellow-green cups that look like tiny gems scattered across rotting logs. Its ability to stain the underlying wood with its vibrant pigments makes it a fascinating subject for mushroom enthusiasts and forest ecologists alike.
Habitat: Typically found in damp deciduous forests, growing on the decaying, barkless logs and branches of hardwood trees.
Appearance
This fungus produces tiny, cup-shaped or saucer-shaped fruiting bodies that measure between 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. The fertile inner surface of the cup is a striking bright yellow, sulfur-yellow, or yellowish-green, while the outer surface is slightly paler or powdery. These cups can be sessile (attached directly) or feature a very short stalk, often appearing clustered together in large groups on damp, decayed hardwood.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLeotiomycetesOrderHelotialesFamilyChlorospleniaceaeGenusChlorosplenium
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Like its close relative the green elfcup, wood stained by this genus has historically been prized by woodworkers for intricate marquetry and woodwork inlaying.
The cups are extremely sensitive to humidity and will shrivel up when dry, only to rehydrate and swell back up when rain returns.
The vibrant yellow-green pigment produced by this fungus can deeply stain the wood it colonizes, lasting long after the fungus itself has withered.
Special abilities
Ability
Wood-Staining Pigment
Releases a vibrant yellowish-green pigment that penetrates and colors the surrounding host wood fibers.
Ability
Lignin Decomposition
Secretes specialized enzymes that efficiently break down tough lignin and cellulose in dead wood.
Ability
Spore Shooting
Uses pressurized microscopic sacs called asci to actively shoot spores into passing wind currents.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 0 cm
- Weight
- 0 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-5 years
- Incubation
- 10-30 days
Diet & Feeding
As a saprotrophic fungus, it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead hardwood, breaking down cellulose and lignin.
Primary Foods
- Decaying oak wood
- Decaying chestnut wood
- Dead hardwood bark
- Fallen forest organic matter
Foraging Method
- Absorption
Ecological connections
host plant
White Oak
Quercus alba
Grows on and decomposes the fallen logs and branches of this tree.
eaten by
Springtail
Collembola
Feeds on the spores and fruiting bodies of the fungus.
competitor
Green Wood Cup
Chlorociboria aeruginascens
Competes for space and resources on decaying hardwood logs.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Chlorosplenium Chlora?
0 cm
How much does Chlorosplenium Chlora weigh?
0 kg
How long does Chlorosplenium Chlora live?
1-5 years
What does Chlorosplenium Chlora eat?
As a saprotrophic fungus, it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead hardwood, breaking down cellulose and lignin.
Where is Chlorosplenium Chlora usually found?
Typically found in damp deciduous forests, growing on the decaying, barkless logs and branches of hardwood trees.
How does Chlorosplenium Chlora hunt?
Absorption
How long do Chlorosplenium Chlora eggs take to hatch?
10-30 days
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