DESCRIPTION: Inspect the flowerheads of the various host plants and you may come up with this odd fungal species. A chocolate to purple brown dusting this species covers the anthers and once seen is readily identified. Host plants are sterilised but not killed. Teliospores are spread between plants by pollinating insects. SPORES: Finely reticulate, light purple. HABITAT: On anthers of Red Campions. The similar species on White Campion is known as Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae. SEASON: Common but easily overlooked. April to Sept. |
