MERULIUS LACRIMANS Meaning and
Definition
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Merulius lacrimans is a type of fungus belonging to the family of Basidiomycetes. Commonly known as the "split gill fungus" or "weeping tooth fungus," it is characterized by its unique appearance and growth habit.
The fruiting body of Merulius lacrimans typically forms a flat, fan-shaped structure with numerous delicate, split gills on the underside. These gills release spores, allowing the fungus to reproduce. The upper surface of the fruiting body often displays shades of cream, gray, or brown, while the gills may appear translucent or pale in color. The fungus is typically found growing on logs, dead wood, or decaying organic matter, and it can thrive in both temperate and tropical regions.
The name "lacrimans" is derived from the Latin word "lacrima," meaning "tear." This name is attributed to the fungus due to the liquid droplets that often seep or "weep" from its gills, resembling tears. These droplets are believed to be a result of guttation, a process through which excess fluid is exuded through plant or fungal tissues.
Despite its unique characteristics and intriguing appearance, Merulius lacrimans is not typically consumed or utilized for culinary or medicinal purposes. Instead, it is primarily studied and appreciated for its contribution to the ecological processes involved in organic decomposition. Additionally, its presence in certain ecosystems may indicate a healthy and balanced environment.
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The cause of dry-rot in pine, spruce, and other wood derived from coniferous trees.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MERULIUS LACRIMANS
- nerulius lacrimans
- kerulius lacrimans
- jerulius lacrimans
- mwrulius lacrimans
- msrulius lacrimans
- mdrulius lacrimans
- mrrulius lacrimans
- m4rulius lacrimans
- m3rulius lacrimans
- meeulius lacrimans
- medulius lacrimans
- mefulius lacrimans
- metulius lacrimans
- me5ulius lacrimans
- me4ulius lacrimans
- merylius lacrimans
- merhlius lacrimans
- merjlius lacrimans
- merilius lacrimans
- mer8lius lacrimans
Etymology of MERULIUS LACRIMANS
The word "Merulius lacrimans" has its roots in Latin.
"Merulius" comes from the Latin word "merulus", meaning blackbird. This name was given to the fungus due to its resemblance to a bird's nest, which blackbirds are known for building.
"Lacrimans" is derived from the Latin word "lacrima", which means tear. The fungus is called "lacrimans" because it appears to be weeping or producing droplets resembling tears.
So, the etymology of "Merulius lacrimans" combines the descriptive term "merulius" referring to the shape and appearance of a blackbird's nest and "lacrimans" referring to the teardrop-like droplets produced by the fungus.
