Tag Archives: Slime Mould

A slime mould is not a plant or animal. It is a huge collection of single-celled organisms called Protozoa, specifically in the taxonomical class called Myxogastrea. When the conditions are correct (similar to lawn fungi) they bloom and spore in huge numbers. This is the structure which becomes a slime mould. Once they release their spores for the next generation, they collapse and die.

Slime moulds appearing on lawns

A slime mould can look like an extremely odd growth on a lawn, almost alien. They appear quickly and can disappear almost as quickly.

They can be yellow or white and cover all areas of the UK. They only appear on lawns when the conditions are right for them. Usually humid conditions, such as early spring or in autumn.

Slime moulds are fascinating organisms to find on a lawn. Find out more about them and what to do if you find one on your lawn in these blog posts.

Grey Slime Mould (Physarum cinereum)

Autumn seems to be the season of the slime mould. I recently found this fantastic Grey Slime Mould (physarum cinereum) on a lawn in Exmouth. Grey Slime Mould is a collection of single-celled organisms. They look like sooty deposits spilled on the grass. Spread over several metres this one stood out as something rather curious. Almost like spilled paint.