Lamprospora tuberculata

Hosts: Pleuridium acuminatum, P. subulatum

Apothecia scarce and somewhat buried within host mat. Northwood Cemetery, VC10, Dec 2021
Apothecium under the dissecting microscope. Northwood Cemetery, VC10, Dec 2021
Tuberculate ascospores in water (1000X)

Similar species on Pleuridium and commonly associated mosses (Ephemerum spp.) on acid soils. Pyronemataceae on / near these hosts should always be checked microscopically.

  • Lamprospora rehmii – smaller variation in tubercule size and also having short, broad ridges. Not yet reported from the British Isles. On Pleuridium acuminatum.
  • Lamprospora annulata – spores appear square-ish in outline due to long, broad ridges and wide tubercules. Known from a single site in the British Isles. On Pleuridium sp. and Ephemerum spp.
  • Lamprospora pseudarvensis – spore ornamentation comprised of thick but not protruding to the same extent as those of other species, and lacking tubercules. On P. acuminatum.
  • Lamprospora moynei – spores with thick, long ridges and lacking tubercules. Recorded on Ephemerum serratum (form. E. minutissimum). Not yet reported from the British Isles.