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Crystal brain

Myxarium nucleatum

A species of Myxarium, Also known as Granular jelly roll

Myxarium nucleatum is a wood-rotting fungus that, due to its unusual jellylike appearance, has been given the common name "granular jelly roll." A common wood-rotting species in North America and Europe, crystal brain is recognizable not only due to its eponymous fruit bodies but also by the white granules that can be perceived within the glassy gray. Its edibility remains undetermined.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 6 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Crystal brain

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Attributes of Crystal brain

Cap Diameter

1 - 6 cm

Cap

Up to 6 cm across; brain-like; hyaline to whitish, occasionally with lilac or pinkish tints; smooth

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Crystal brain by these plants:

Ashes, Lindens

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in Europe, North, Central and South America, and New Zealand.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Crystal brain

Fruiting Body Habit & Habitat

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Habitat of Crystal brain

The crystal brain occurs in woods and wooded areas, and it's commonly associated with sycamore, beech, ash, oak, willow, elm, and alder. The mushroom grows on dead or decaying wood and is mostly found on the underside of decaying logs.

Scientific Classification of Crystal brain

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Similar Species to Crystal brain

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Tips for Finding Crystal brain

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What are Some Tips for Finding Crystal brain

Seek out shaded areas with a high concentration of fallen hardwood logs, such as Sycamore, Beech, or Ash.
Inspect the lower sides of logs as crystal brain often grows underneath, hidden from direct sunlight.
Look for groupings of fungi, as crystal brain tends to cluster together, forming broad sheets or rows.
Check consistently in areas where crystal brain has been found before, as they might reappear in the same habitats.
Be gentle when moving decaying wood to avoid disrupting the habitat and other organisms that may be present.