Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa

Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa challenges slime mold classification by producing spores externally on branching, coral-like structures rather than internally in fruiting bodies. This distinctive approach—spores developing on the outside rather than inside—places Ceratiomyxa in its own taxonomic position, sometimes excluded from true slime molds entirely. The external spore production represents a fundamentally different solution to the problem of spore formation and dispersal.

The coral-like branching creates enormous surface area for spore production. Each branch bears countless spores on its exterior, maximizing the number of spores that can develop simultaneously. The pure white color of young fruiting structures contrasts strikingly with forest backgrounds, though the functional significance of this coloration (if any) remains unknown. The structures fade to transparent as spores mature and disperse.

C. fruticulosa's developmental biology differs from other slime molds in fundamental ways. The external spore formation means spores never experience the enclosed environment of typical slime mold fruiting bodies. Whatever advantages enclosed development provides—protection, regulated maturation conditions—Ceratiomyxa forgoes them in favor of direct environmental exposure. This alternative strategy's persistence suggests it offers compensating advantages, perhaps in spore quantity, dispersal efficiency, or developmental speed.