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Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
Edvin Johannesen,
21-07-2021 20:56
The black apothecia were found on Alnus incana wood. Up to 0.5 mm in diameter only. Clearly ionomidotic reaction. Spores similar to Ionomidotis, with two dark guttules, ellipsoid, ca. 17x5 microns. Paraphyses branched and curved at the tips, similar to Otidea.
Suggestions?
Hans-Otto Baral,
21-07-2021 21:13
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
Ah, this is superb. How many apos do you have? There are two very similar undescribed species, about which I am doing an article with Adam Polhorsky. The paraphyses are hooked, did you see?
Genus is unclear, perhaps a new one too.
I have it in Cordieritidaceae, Skyttea, uncinata.
Edvin Johannesen,
21-07-2021 22:10
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
WOW, that's exciting! There are dozens of apothecia in all stages of development, from tiny black dots to flat apothecia half a millimeter in size. Growing together with a yellow Orbilia and a whitish Cf. Cistella. Yes, I have seen several paraphyses which are divided and hooked.
Are you interested in the specimen? Shall I just air dry it?
Hans-Otto Baral,
21-07-2021 22:39
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
I suggest to air-dry it, it probably survives some weeks in case it should be cultured. I will leave tomorrow morning for some days, but I informed Adam, and we will see what we decide.
Edvin Johannesen,
21-07-2021 22:42
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
A few images of paraphyses, just to give an impression (using phase contrast to enhance visibility)
Adam Polhorský,
22-07-2021 17:02
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
Hello, Yes!
Please try to observe free spores. I believe 17x5um for spores is too much, or at least I do not know such species, around 12x2.8um would be more reasonable.
I attach spores of the two similar species, the one with broader spores we know only from 2-3 collections.
What is the habitat? Water-soaked, decorticated lying branch or a more xeric place?
Air drying is fine, most hymenial structures are dead after a week, but ascospores survive up to 6 months!
Thank you,
Adam
Edvin Johannesen,
23-07-2021 12:44
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
Hi Adam,
Thanks for the response and spore images. I will certaily try to find free spores and make more accurate measures. As far as I have noted, this was found on a decorticated branch (Alnus incana) on the ground, close to a rivulet, so I guess rather moist and not xeric. The location is in a mountain area in Central Norway, ca. 900 m alt.
Along with the black apothecia were some yellow Orbilia- and white Cistella-like apos, which was the reason I collected the piece of wood in the first place.
Cheers.
Edvin Johannesen,
23-07-2021 14:24
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
I struggled a bit to find free, presumably mature spores, but I did find them. You are right, they are definitely smaller than I first stated, i.e. mostly shorter than 10 microns, but some up to 12, and the width up to 3 microns, measured in KOH (guttules less pronounced in KOH?). The scale in the photos here is 1 micron. I should add that I saw a septum in one of the longer spores, which I guess is seen in your photos, Adam. So it seems that the shape and L/W ratio is similar to both your photos, but mostly like in the second one.
I should mentioned that is may seem like the asci are starting to disinegrate after a couple of extra days in the fridge. I have started drying now.
Adam Polhorský,
23-07-2021 18:16
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
Super, thank you. With the habit and the spores it could be the 2nd species. I'll gladly examine the collection, if you want. I'll send you an address by email.
Edvin Johannesen,
23-07-2021 18:21
Re : Tiny black apothecia with ionomidotic reaction
Fine! Not too many ripe apos left, but great if you would give it a try. Maybe some spores will survive.
Best regards,
Edvin