Cerocorticium molle

Cerocorticium molle is a species of fungus belonging to the family Corticiaceae. It is a type of crust fungus, which means it forms flat or slightly raised, crust-like structures on the surfaces of dead wood. Cerocorticium molle is characterized by its soft, pale, and often somewhat gelatinous appearance, which can vary in color from white to pale yellow or pinkish. This fungus plays a crucial role in wood decay, helping to break down the cellulose and lignin in dead trees and contributing to the nutrient cycle within forest ecosystems.

Description

Cerocorticium molle typically forms thin, smooth mats on the surface of wood. The fruiting bodies are resupinate, meaning they lie flat against the substrate with no distinct cap or stem. The surface texture is soft and can be somewhat gelatinous when wet. The coloration of this species is variable, ranging from white to pale yellow or pinkish. Microscopically, it is characterized by the presence of simple-septate hyphae, and its spores are typically cylindrical to allantoid (sausage-shaped), smooth, and non-amyloid.

Habitat and Distribution

Cerocorticium molle is found on dead wood in a variety of forest types, indicating its role as a saprotrophic organism. It has a wide distribution, occurring in both temperate and tropical regions around the world. This fungus prefers moist environments, which facilitate the wood decay process.

Ecological Role

As a wood-decaying fungus, Cerocorticium molle plays an essential role in forest ecosystems. By breaking down the cellulose and lignin in dead wood, it helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil, supporting the growth of plants and maintaining the health of the forest. Additionally, the decay process creates habitats for various insects and other organisms, contributing to biodiversity.

Research and Conservation

Research on Cerocorticium molle and similar fungi is important for understanding the complexities of wood decay processes and the overall functioning of forest ecosystems. Conservation efforts often focus on preserving dead wood in natural habitats to support the diversity of wood-decaying fungi and the ecological roles they play.

See Also

• Fungi
• Decomposition
• Forest ecology

References

	smooth hymenium
	hymenium attachment is not applicable
	lacks a stipe
	spore print is white
	ecology is saprotrophic
	edibility: inedible