Hi again,

as far as I'm aware Nitschkia parasitans is always described as growing on stromata of Nectria cinnabarina. However, I have received a collection that comes close to N. parasitans microscopically but grows on the margin of stromata of Graphostroma platystoma (on Castanea sativa). At least I don't know any other Nitschkia species with 8-spored asci and allantoid, hyaline ascospores which in the present fungus measure 9–11 x 2–2.5 µm. Maybe there is one that I overlooked? Or does N. parasitans indeed grow on fungi other than N. cinnabarina occasionally?
The long stipe of the dead asci is also quite remarkable. Munk pores are frequent and encircled by the dark, thickened cell wall. The macroscopic appearance is also a bit different from typical N. parasitans I think, because that species usually grows more densely fasciculate.

On a side note: it was very interesting to observe the ascomata upon rehydration because some of them quickly ejected a whitish conical "body" from which again the ascospores where visibly ejected under the stereo microscope. This must have been the "Quellkörper" which I have never seen in action before. Unfortunately I was at a microscope without a chance to take photos...

Best wishes,
Gernot     

PS: The attached photos are not mine.