Salut à tous,

I found this inconspicous Orbilia on Malus x scheideckeri in the South of England that I'd like some help with. The branch was dead, still attached and 6 ft from the ground.

51.093°N 0.1787°W, 96m above sea level

Unfortunately I have no material left, but I visit the site often so I have a fair chance of recollection.

Apothecia to about 0.8mm

Ascospores 4.2 - 5 x 2 - 2.6, smooth, C-shaped, with a large tearshaped-globose SB and sometimes a few smaller ones.

Although easy to see, I found the spores almost impossible to photograph - I hope they can be seen on the composite image, but if not I can provide a crop or illustration....

I've used one of Zotto's old keys, which leads me to O.vibrioides (I think! - I don't have much experience using keys to Orbilia). The spore size matches well but I can't find any further information on this species. Have I got it right?

Amitiés,

Nick

Stip Helleman, 21-01-2015 01:32

Re : Xerotolerant Orbilia on Malus

Hallo Nick,
You are right I would say, it maches my collection from Germany quite well, but perhaps Zotto has another idea. It is indeed difficult to make photos of the spores.
As the species is still unpublished, it is difficult to find further information.
cheers,
Stip

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Hans-Otto Baral, 21-01-2015 08:48

Re : Xerotolerant Orbilia on Malus

Indeed I agree :-) There is no possibility to confuse. May I include your sample in our monograph? Thej I would need the collection date and whether it was wood or bark (seems to be wood). Also I like to know the approx. thickness of the branch.

It is quite normal that this species occurs only by 2-5 apothecia. It is among those that urgently need sequencing, but all more recent samples were such sparse. So if you find more, think about sending them (I sggest to Guy Marson).

Stip's collectionj is especially strange because the species is mainly submediterranean to atlantic.

Zotto

Hans-Otto Baral, 21-01-2015 22:47

Re : Xerotolerant Orbilia on Malus

Thanks! and yes, the species was found in Wales by JP Priou, on Salix, Sambucus and Ulex.

Zotto

Stip Helleman, 21-01-2015 22:49

Re : Xerotolerant Orbilia on Malus

Hi Nick,
as far as I know only three collections from Wales.
Stip