Pale Mycostrum
Pale mycostrum expanded its ancestral range, became smaller, and specialized for breaking down the petrified remains of large crystal flora. While this task is energy-intensive, it provides an abundant food source with little competition. Unlike its ancestor, fruiting is triggered when part of the mycelial network is exposed to air and sufficient moisture conditions, rather than an increase in light exposure. It also produces more potent, acidic digestive compounds. Photosynthesis is facultative and less pigment is produced, giving fruiting bodies a paler color. A fine mycelial network works slowly through the branches, roots, and trunks of decaying crystal flora and breaks them down for its nutritional needs. Like its ancestor, reproduction occurs through asexual buds released by the fruiting bodies or conjugation in mycelial networks.