Reproductive Structures Showing Manganese Deposits (IMAGE) Harvard University Caption The fungus S. aciculosa produces spores (called conidia) on stalks during asexual reproduction. The brown color at the base of these structures is the natural color of the manganese oxides that precipitate there following oxidation of reduced manganese by superoxide. The hyphae are not involved in oxidation. Credit Photo courtesy of Colleen Hansel Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.