slime mold in the Gabriola woodsHere’s one of the things you’ll see in the Gabriola woods if you prowl around a bit. It’s a slime mold, and isn’t it just too cool for words?

Wikipedia explains that a slime mold is a broad term describing fungus-like organisms that use spores to reproduce. (…) Slime molds have been found all over the world and feed on microorganisms that live in any type of dead plant material.

Now this slime mold looks like tapioca, so I suspect that it’s brefeldia maxima or tapioca slime mold. I think brefeldia maxima turns purple later in its life, so I’ve got to go back and have another look at this slime. (It’s in the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve.)

Slime molds might be smarter than you’d think. Discover Magazine reports that slime molds show a surprising degree of intelligence. Who knew? (Well, Andrea probably did.)

Last year I showed you a video of slime molds (and other delights) growing. If you missed it then, go have a look at Mushrooms, slime molds, and jellies: oh my!

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