Can You Describe The Fungus Merulius Lacrymans?

Lacking chlorophyll, this fungus must get its nourishment from other matter—for example, from wood, hardboard, cork matting, linoleum and the like.

The body of this fungus consists of very fine, ramified threads of cells that are collectively called "mycelium." Left undisturbed, the body forms films and strings. With these strings, the fungus can force its way through mortar and cracks in cement. It can quickly form a head or "fruiting body" in some suitable open space—under the floor, on an inside wall or on a ceiling. This "fruiting body" may measure as much as .3 meter (12 inches) in diameter. In the pores of its surface, brown or reddish spores form.

Each square millimetre of the pore-covered surface can produce up to seventy-five spores per minute. Each spore has the capacity to grow into another fungus plant and can, in turn, destroy unlimited amounts of wood. The spores are sticky and can fasten themselves anywhere. If there is sufficient humidity and warmth, they grow very quickly. But the spores cannot attack fresh, dry wood.

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