Strange white, foamy growths appear in Latvian gardens — people puzzled

Several garden owners in Latvia have recently shared photos and videos on social media showing an unusual white, foamy growth appearing on lawns or other spots in their gardens. Many say they have never seen anything like it before and have no idea what it is.

One woman, Vilija, posted such a find on Facebook and asked other users for help identifying what exactly was growing in her garden. Another user, Iveta, turned to artificial intelligence with the same question and shared the answer she received.

What a slime mould is

According to the AI-generated explanation, the object is a slime mould (Myxomycetes), most likely the species Brefeldia maxima, also known as "the white witch's butter," or a very similar species, Enteridium lycoperdon. Slime moulds are neither plants, animals, nor conventional fungi — they belong to the protist group of organisms.

At a certain stage of development, these organisms can slowly move across grass, moss or wood in search of food, such as bacteria and fungal spores. Over time, the white mass gradually turns brownish, signalling that the slime mould is maturing and preparing to release spores. Afterwards, the organism dries out and disappears.

Importantly, such growths are not harmful to people or garden plants.

An old folk name

In the comments, several people recalled that older generations used to call this phenomenon "witch's vomit." One woman, Sarmīte, said she had never seen anything so unusual before. Another, Gaida, said a similar growth appeared on her own lawn this year — at first she thought her dog had vomited foamy mucus, but now she knows it was a slime mould.