Small Purple Asco.

[Lancashire Lad]

Found on Saturday, growing in small clusters (but large numbers overall) on the cut end of a now rotting (and quite wet) Fagus trunk that was felled some years ago.



The largest of the "cups" in the image is approx 4mm in diameter. There were plenty at this size, but none were larger.

All were quite hard to the touch, (having a consistency that reminded me of dry silicone sealant ).

I've scoured all my literature, but can't find anything similar. I've also had several different sections/samples of these under the microscope, but was unable to find any signs of asci or spores.

One thought that I keep returning to, is that they might be somewhat abnormal Ascocoryne? - Although I've seen A.sarcoides, and A.cylichnium in all states of growth, young and old, dry and damp, but never (even in small examples such as the size of these) have I seen Ascocoryne exhibiting such distinctly cup shaped fruitbodies, nor has any of the Ascocoryne I've previously found been anywhere near as hard as these, even when dehydrated.

Any thoughts or suggestions regarding potential ID would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Mike.

[Ditiola]

Hi Mike

Ascocoryne can grow cup shaped, Below is a photo I took a few years ago:

Although 4mm is very small and opens up the possibility of some other tiny purple asco.

Peter

[Chris Yeates]

I agree with Peter - that's (admittedly old/dry) Ascocoryne sarcoides for me

Chris

[Lancashire Lad]

Thanks for your responses guys.

I had the feeling that Ascocoryne would be the concensus.

Still think them somewhat unusual though, compared with what I've seen before.

Regards,
Mike.