Hi,
I found this Orbilia very sparsley distributed on what looks like Diatrype stigma (effete). The spores were difficult to find – I think I found a few, approx 8 x 2. The asci were typically 45 x4, some with square apices. The base looked oddly twisted. The asci tips did not react to Lugol. Although some paraphyses were typical Orbilia-type spoon-shaped , others looked more like golf clubs. I've looked for Orbilia on Diatrype on the internet but don't see one which looks the same colour as this – it's pale yellow – there were half a dozen scattered ascocarps all the same pallid shade. Orbilia alnea has been recorded on Diatrype stigma but is a much stronger yellow.
The FRDBI and Peter Thompson list only Orbilia alnea on Diatrype stigma.
I failed to get a match using keys by Ellis and Ellis and Peter Thompson.
Could anyone offer some advice on Orbilia? – I believe they are difficult to get spores from in general.
With regards,
Steve