Bryostroma trichostomi

Pottiaceae, including Didymodon fallax, Trichostomum brachydontium, T. crispulum, Weissia sp. (W. brachycarpa). Mature, liberated spores are somewhat more laterally inflated relative to those in asci. It is very common to find either over-mature or immature perithecia of this fungus. Larger bloated-looking perithecia are most likely to be mature.

Multiple ascomata on a single shoot of Didymodon fallax. Bonchurch, VC10, Dec 2022.
Close-up of perithecia on infected Didymodon fallax, note surface texture. Bonchurch, VC10, Dec 2022.
Specimen on Trichostomum crispulum showing the texture of the ascomata. Leg. et det. M. Sutton. Pembrokeshire, VC45. Photo M. Sutton.
Asci at 400X. Bar = 20 microns. Material from Briddlesford, VC10, Oct 2019
Material collected on Trichostomum brachydontium in chalk grassland. Slad: VC33. Feb 2022. 400X in water.
Material collected on Trichostomum brachydontium in chalk grassland. Slad: VC33. Feb 2022. 1000X in water.
Material collected on Trichostomum brachydontium in chalk grassland. Slad: VC33. Feb 2022. 1000X in water.
Material collected on Trichostomum brachydontium in chalk grassland. Slad: VC33. Feb 2022. 1000X in water. Ascus bases visible, with possible croziers.
Material collected on Trichostomum brachydontium in chalk grassland. Slad: VC33. Feb 2022. Spore in water.
Material collected on Trichostomum brachydontium in chalk grassland. Slad: VC33. Feb 2022. Spore in water.