Stemonitis splendens

Stemonitis splendens, commonly known as the chocolate tube slime, is a species of slime mold.

Description

Fruiting body

The sporangia are dark purplish brown, smooth, dry, 10–20 mm tall, and 1–2 mm in diameter. The stem is black, 3–5 mm long, and less than 1 mm thick.

Spore

The spores are 6–9 μm in diameter, brown, globose, and covered in small warts. They are released into the air if touched.

Ecology and distribution

Specimens grow in small, compact clusters on sheltered, decaying wood. It is quite common within its range. In Australia the species has been observed in all states.

References