Tiny Purple Cups - ID Help Please

Lancashire Lad · #1 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 02:37 PM

Found this on Sunday during an NWFG Foray.

At the time it was suggested that it was probably an early stage of Ascocoryne sarcoides, but that has now been discounted, (without an alternative), leaving the question as to what it might actually be.

Found on sawn end of felled and now rotting stump (unfortunately couldn't identify what tree species).

Tiny purple cups with a "felty" sort of appearance.
Largest of these fruitbodies is about 4mm across.

Any steer towards possible ID will be much appreciated.

Regards,
Mike.

ManwithNoname · #2 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 03:27 PM

I suspect, Mike, that the problem in identification arose because of a lack of distinctive features, compounded by the fact that there were two species growing together.

I think the purple cups are probably immature Ascocoryne, which is why no asci could be found when they were examined under the microscope by the foray leader.

There is also a pyrenomycete growing on the same patch of wood, which may be something like Lasiosphaeria spermoides... but I tend to leave these to other people so perhaps Chris will have a view.

(Sounds like you had a reasonably productive day at Carr Mill Dam, even though it has been fairly dry recently.

I had planned to come along, but a hangover from a friend's 50th birthday celebration intervened in my plans.

)

Lancashire Lad · #3 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 03:43 PM

Thanks ManwithNoname.

I am intrigued by this one. I definitely have some very newly emerging A.sarcoides at one of my local haunts, but this does look different.
Just a pity it's not just a little nearer to home or I'd have gone back in a week or so to see whats developing.

Yes it was a great foray at Carr Mill, and, being very much a novice, I learned several useful snippets of fungi info along the way.

All credit to Tony and several other knowledgable members for the invaluable info readily passed on.

Regards,
Mike.

ManwithNoname · #4 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

I am intrigued by this one. I definitely have some very newly emerging A.sarcoides at one of my local haunts, but this does look different.

There is also Ascocoryne cylichnium, which is more distinctly cup-shaped from the start.

ManwithNoname · #5 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 04:02 PM

Compare your image with the immature specimens on the image linked below from Roger Phillips' website of Ascocoryne cylichnium.

http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/galle...yne cylichnium

Lancashire Lad · #6 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManwithNoname

Compare your image with the immature specimens on the image linked below from Roger Phillips' website of Ascocoryne cylichnium.

http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/galle...yne cylichnium

Just looked at the very same image in my book version of Phillips.
Have to agree, the very small ones look remarkably similar. - I think I'll settle for that.

Thanks again,
Regards,
Mike.