Mitrula paludosa
Mitrula paludosa Fr. : Fr.
Helotiaceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Fruit-bodies with gelatinous consistency, up to 5 cm high; single or in small groups. The upper (fertile) part of the fruit-body is an elongated, clavate or elliptical head, 5–15 × 3–10 mm, smooth, viscid, pale or bright orange to yellow, on a thin stipe. Stipe 15–40 × 1.5 mm, cylindrical, white to slightly greyish, viscid. Asci 100–150 × 8–9 µm, with 8 spores each. Spores cylindrical or ellipsoid, 10–15 × 2.5–3 µm, hyaline; arranged in two irregular rows in the ascus. IV–VII.
Habitats and populations. On decaying leaves in moist habitats among mosses or grasses, in ditches, dikes, and near rivers.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rila Mts (Govedartsi).
General distribution. Europe, North America.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by stock breeding, wood plantations, development of tourism/recreation Infrastructure.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Dimcheva et al. 1992.
Authors: Roumyana D. Petrova & Cvetomir M. Denchev
