Purple jellydisc

Description:

The fruitbody of Ascocoryne sarcoides is gelatinous with various shades of pinkish purple. It is spherical at first, either sessile or with a very short stem, later becoming centrally depressed and then irregularly cushion shaped, forming brain-like compound groups. Individual fruitbodies can grow 0.5 to 1.5 cm across, while clusters often get 5 to 10 cm across. This jelly-like fungus goes through both asexual and sexual spore-producing stages.

Habitat:

Ascocoryne sarcoides is saprobic on rotting trunks and stumps of broadleaf trees, particularly beech.

Notes:

Ascocoryne sarcoides in its anamorphic stage (asexual stage). Spotted in Nieuwe Rande Forest in rural area of Deventer, Holland. (sources:see reference)