Hypomyces aurantius

Hypomyces aurantius

Description

The asexual stage produces hyaline conidia; originally these were given the name 'Cladobotryum' before the connection with the sexual state was understood.  The sexual stage is more often recorded; it is parasitic on old polypores, and produces a dense pimply crust of orange perithecia in a loose cobwebby white subiculum over the surface of the polypore.  The perithecia are pear-shaped and stain purple with Potassium Hydroxide (KOH).  Ascospores are released from the perithecia; these are two-celled, long and with sharp pointed ends.  

Identification difficulty

host/microscopy

Recording advice

Microscopic examination and treatment with KOH is needed.  Note habitat and substrate.

Habitat

Grows densely clustered on the fungal fruit bodies of rotting polypores (bracket fungi).

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records