What could this be? The black spherical fungus seems to me to be Hypoxylon fragiforme found on dead branches of Fagus sylvatica. But what could these small red 'dots' be? They don't move and are firmly tightened to the underlying fungus. Another fungus parasitizing the black one? Any hint would be appreciated very much. Regards Amadej Trnkoczy
Oh wow...I think? I found something of the same sort growing on some Oak trees here this fall? I did not take pictures as the light was fast fading and I could not collect as we can not remove wood from this park..... If you get an answear I'd LOVE to know!
...also if those black balls are Daldinia, I fuzzily remember someone telling me about a relationship between a Daldinia and a Nectria, or with a Nectria's anamorph. I'm mentioning this in case someone here knows of any relationship between these critters, and can enlighten me? thanks, -frog
Hi Frog, Thanks a lot for your efforts. I posted the same question at Mushroom Observer site http://mushroomobserver.org/15682?search_seq=254487 and Irene Andersson was kind enough to answer it stating that the 'red dots' are most probably Nectria episphaeria. So, you both agree. Of course, to be sure one would need a microscope but, unfortunately, I don't have it. Thanks again for your help and all the best in 2009. Amadej