Mnemonic Myxomycetes (slime molds) Monday

Slime molds are not Fungi, they are Myxomycetes, but since they are cool and I found a few on a foray I thought I would play mnemonics with the scientific name. 

Lycogala epidendrum

Common Name: Wolf's Milk

The word Lycogala epidendrum consists of two parts: "Lycogala" and "epidendrum." Let's break down the word roots:

"Lycogala": The word root "lyco-" is derived from the Greek word "lykos," meaning "wolf." In scientific terminology, "lyco-" is often used to denote "wolf" or "wolf-like." However, it's important to note that the term "Lycogala" is not directly related to wolves but is rather the genus name of a slime mold.

"Epidendrum": The word root "epi-" is derived from the Greek word "epi," meaning "on" or "upon." The root "dendr-" is derived from the Greek word "dendron," meaning "tree." Therefore, "epidendrum" can be interpreted as "upon a tree" or "on a tree."

In summary, "Lycogala epidendrum" refers to a type of slime mold that typically grows on or near trees.

 

 Okay, here is my funny sentence: like a gala epi den (and) drum. However knowing the word lykos means wolf and thinkin of a wolf attending a gala, the genus was simple to remember. Knowing that epi means on or upon and the word root for tree is dendron makes the species epithet easy to learn as well. Now I can imagine that a wolf likes to drink milk with a taint of pink in it seals the deal for the common name: Wolf's Milk Slime Mold.

Fuligo septica

Common Name: Dog's Vomit Slime Mold

If you have ever owned a dog and he/she eats grass the vomit is often yellow so I totally get the common name.

Fuligo septica is the scientific name for a type of slime mold commonly known as "dog vomit slime mold" or "scrambled egg slime." Let's break down the word roots:

"Fuligo": The word root "fuligo" comes from the Latin word for "soot" or "smoke." It refers to the dark or soot-like appearance of the mature fruiting body of the slime mold.

"Septica": The word root "septica" is derived from the Latin word "septicus," meaning "putrid" or "infected." This term reflects the odor emitted by the slime mold when it releases spores.

In summary, "Fuligo septica" describes a species of slime mold characterized by its dark, soot-like appearance and the putrid odor it produces. It is often found growing on decaying organic matter, such as wood chips, mulch, or leaf litter.

My mnemonic is Fool ego (is) septic(a), okay so it's a stretch but it works for me.