Stemonitopsis typhina ID confirmation please

[alindsay]

Growing on a fallen branch in a decidous wood with oaks, beeech etc

I think it might be Stemonitopsis typhina and would be grateful for confirmation.





Thanks in advance.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi,

I may be completely wrong, but I don't think this looks like typical S.typhina.

At this sort of stage, all the S.typhina that I've seen have been more "sausage" shaped, and have had a see through "veil" of hypothallus material which extends up the stem to the base of the Sporangia. (It has been likened to a nylon stocking ).

To me, these sporangia look slightly more club shaped, and the stems don't appear to be showing the "veil" characteristic.

I think it may possibly be Comatricha nigra, but will be interested to see what others think.

Regards,
Mike.

[stickman]

Hi alindsey

I agree with Mike in that it's not S.typhina, but another Stemonitopsis or (more likely) Comatricha species.

Probably a microscopy job - if you can go back tomorrow to collect some I'll gladly take a look for you if you want to dry it & send it over to me....

Cheers,
Nick

[alindsay]

Thanks for the info Mike and Nick and Nick thanks for the generous offer of doing a microscopy job on a sample.

Unfortunately I can only get out into the wilds at weekends, so the chance of capturing and drying out a sample of this find is probably not now possible.

Doesn't this type pf myxo have a very short shelf life?

However, I can hardly imagine that I could have got this tiny, fragile organism back home in tact as I had another 4 miles to walk to get back to civilization.

Next time ........