FUNGI

Clavaria Zollingeri and Penicillium

BY JENNIFER SISK AND LAURA STAPLETON

Clavaria Zollingeri
VIOLET CORAL

Clavaria Zollingeri
Sabprobic. Meaning it survives by decomposing, dead, or decaying

organic matter. Found in moss or grassy spots, usually near hardwood trees. It either grows alone or in a group. Its peak time to grow is summer and fall. Fruiting body can be 2-10 cm high and 2-6 mm wide. The surface is purple to pinkish purple as well as brittle. It has no distinguishable odor and its taste is somewhat like radishes. There are several look-a-likes such as Clavaria Purpurea and Calvuria Amethystina.

Clavaria Zollingeri
Was discovered by Joesph-Henri Lveill in 1846, but was named after

Heinrich Zollinger. Zollinger researched the genus Clavaria. Generally found in North America but has also been found in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Heinrich Zollinger Europe. Is listed in the Danish Regional Red List of threatened species. Clavaria Zollingeri contains lectins. Lectins are used in blood typing, Joesph-Henri Lveill serology, and purifying proteins.

Collection

PENICILLIUM
blue mold

Interesting fact: It is the spores which are a part of penicillium

that gives blue cheese its color!

Penicillium
Fast Facts: Prefers cool and moderate climates Usually present wherever organic material is Grows better with high water levels (although can tolerate low water potential) Produces asexually Sporulation not stimulated by changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide or water levels but by physical environmental changes at hyphal surface

Negative Effects of Penicillium

Penicillium

digitatum and italicum attack citrus fruits- fruit farmers lose millions of dollars each year
dangerous toxins that can harm animals that eat the cereal.

Penicillium verrucossum grows in cereal bins releasing

Penicillium expansum causes soft rot in apples Penicillum marneffei, found in Southeast Asia, affects bamboo rats and humans with

weak immune systems

Positive Effects of Penicillium

Used in manufacture of blue cheese Gives pleasant tang to the final product during fermentation

Ex: Camembert, Roquefort, Brie

Antibiotic Penicillium Notadum discovered in 1920s by Sir Alexander Fleming

Used to create the first antibiotic (now penicillium chrysogenum used as it is a more productive species)

Prevent Fungal Decay Produces enzymes such as citric acid, lipases and amylases

Bibliography
Barron, George. "Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum on Orange." George Barron's Website on Fungi. University of Guelph, Web. 30 Jan. 2011. 2. "Clavaria Zollingeri." Rogers Mushrooms. Rogers Plants Ltd., 2001. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. 3. "Clavaria Zollingeri." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 20 Jan. 2011. Web. 2 Feb. 2011. 4. Kuo, Michael. "Clavaria Zollingeri." MushroomExpert.Com. 2007. Web. 2 Feb. 2011. 5. "Penicillium." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 29 Dec. 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2011.
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