DESCRIPTION: One of the smut fungi that is far from common but easily seen when present. It appears as a dark-chocolate spore mass on the stems and leaves of the host. SPORES: The teliospores are 1 septate, brown, thick-walled and measure 25 to 47um by 20 to 30um. HABITAT: On the stems and leaves of Common Ragwort. SEASON: Uncommon. Usually seen during late summer.