Hello Everyone,

I have received the data and images for two separate collections of Pyronema. There seems to be conflict in the literature about the separation of P. domesticum and P. omphalodes. Spore sizes, coalescence of fruit bodies and the presence or absence of marginal hairs appear to be variously stated in the literature.

I wonder if anyone has previously looked at Pyronema species and would be able to advise, please.

The data and images for one of the collections are below:

The following relates to the collection at Woodnook Vale, Accrington, Lancs. 11/08/2013:

Spore sizes: Mycologist 1 sees an average of 16.7 x 11.1 ?m over 30 spores. Mycologist 2 sees an average 15.0 x 9.1 ?m over 10 spores ranging 13.8-16.5 x 8.6-10.5 ?m with none found outside that range except a single spore 19.8 x 12.9 ?m which is clearly abnormal.

Hairs: No setae found in the squash, and the slight roughnesses in Mikes photos seem not to be setae as M&K illustrate.

Coalescence: Mike's photos of fresh material show clearly defined cup apothecia. So was my collection but I allowed it to air dry and it has coalesced to an amorphous mass where the cups are no longer defined. This would happen in nature.

Distribution: Mike notes that the material was quite randomly scattered, some thinly, some quite congested, from an overall area of about 300mm square.


Thank you,
With Best Wishes,
Peter.