coral spot

Description:

Coral Spot Fungus (Nectria cinnabarina) This is a common species, found on dead wood (especially of broad-leaved trees), all year round. The irregular dark red shapes can be seen to be clusters of smaller structures, which are called perithecia. These are hollow, with a tiny opening (ostiole) at the top; under higher magnification, these openings can be seen as tiny dark dots. [Another stage of this fungus is sometimes encountered: the conidial stage, which consists of rounded coral-pink pustules from 1 to 4 millimetres across, it produces asexual spores called "conidia". In contrast, the perithecial stage (the one shown in this photo) produces sexual spores called "ascospores".] ( http://www.geolocation.ws/v/W/4d6b405f87... )

Habitat:

--location: Europe --edibility: Inedible --fungus colour: Orange --normal size: Less than 5cm --cap type: Other --stem type: Lateral, rudimentary or absent --spore colour: White, cream or yellowish --habitat: Grows on wood ----------Nectria cinnabarina (Tode ex Fr.) Fr. Coral Spot. Fruit body colonial and of two types: the perithecial fructification comprising crowded cinnabar-red flasks on a cushion-shaped base, the conidial state similar butr forming coral pink pustules. Asci 70 x 12µ. Spores cylindric-ellipsoid with a single cross-wall, 12–25 x 4–9µ. Habitat on dead wood. Season all year. Common. Not edible. Found In Europe. ( http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/D... )

Notes:

---How to recognise it--- Raised, salmon-pink pustules appear on the branches of trees and shrubs, particularly on and around dead wood (eg from die back). Sometimes (usually in spring) similar red pustules appear which look like minute raspberries. Large branches may wilt in summer if affected near the base, which can cause a canker and resulting in girdling dieback. ---Why it’s a problem--- Can be fatal. ---Where you are likely to find it--- On many trees and shrubs including acers, aesculus, apples, beech, cercis, currants, elaeagnus, elms, figs, gooseberries, hornbeam, limes, magnolias, mulberries, pyracanthas and walnuts. It rarely affects conifers. It breeds in dead wood (eg on old pea sticks), air borne spores then infect living trees and shrubs through wounds or lenticels. It’s caused by a relatively weak fungus, so if a plant is infected it might suggest another underlying problem. ---How to prevent it--- Ensure that dead wood is removed from trees and shrubs and isn’t left lying around where it could become infected and in turn infect living plants. The fungus won’t infect living wood directly, but through dead parts of pruning cuts, especially in early spring and in damp conditions, from which it enters the water transport system (the xylem) and spreads throughout the plant. Pruning in dry weather only and ensuring that all pruning cuts are made cleanly will help to prevent it. ---How to get rid of it--- Cut out any infected areas, removing the wood well beyond the external sign of infection (at least 15cm) and burn. Burn any subsequent prunings until you are comfortable that the disease has been eradicated. -If the plant is easily replaceable it may be best to remove it altogether and burn it. -There is no chemical control available. ---Is it good for anything?!--- No. -Other useful information- This fungus is a ‘saprophyte’ – it lives on dead organic matter (That's a GOOD thing !!) ( http://www.oakleafgardening.com/problems... ) ==( http://www.mycofiel.nl/detail/nectria%20... ),( http://www.soortenbank.nl/soorten.php?so... ).