Physarum pusillum (Berk. & M.A.Curtis) G.Lister
Physarum pusillum is a distinctive slime mould characterised by a globose sporotheca ornately covered with lime scales, borne on a reddish base and stalk. Within the sporotheca is a brown spore mass threaded with a delicate network of lime-filled nodes or tubules. Although each sporangium (fruiting body) is tiny, no more than 2 mm in height, the gregarious nature of the species leads to eye-catching colonies of tens to hundreds of individuals.
This species is very common, occurs worldwide, and is likely to be widespread throughout Western Australia. However, it has mainly been recorded from the Perth region by local enthusiasts noticing a colony within their garden or local bushland, usually on ground litter, plant debris, compost and bark. The photograph is of a specimen grown using a moist chamber technique from Quokka dung collected at Rottnest Island.
Photo: K. Knight.
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