Yew fungus

[markwilson]

White fruiting bodies on the aril of yew (Taxus baccata). Somewhere I seem to remember a similar posting but I cannot refind. The name “Monilinia” comes to mind. I cannot find any reference to fungi on Yew fruits. For some reason when I post on the BMS site the postings just disappear.

[markwilson]

A couple of extra photos from a Yew in Crowcombe

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Mark,

I think this is still flying under the radar (after 30+ views) because no one has any ideas on what it might be.

I was hoping that someone like Paul Cannon may have spotted the topic and might possibly have had suggestions.

I’ve had a look through my books and can’t find anything that might be of use.

I’m aware of Monilinia johnsonii (on Hawthorn), and I believe there are 20+ other Monilinia species, but nothing mentioned regards any of them being found on Yew.

Regards,

Mike

[markwilson]

Hi Mike

Thanks for looking.

It seems odd that there is nothing for Yew arils.

I have PM’d Chris Yeates. On iNaturalist Nicolas Schwab says he has seen similar but noy got antwhere.

Mark

[Lancashire Lad]

markwilson wrote:

. . . I have PM’d Chris Yeates. . .

Hi Mark,

You must not yet be aware that sadly, Chris recently died. (Apparently from a heart attack).

See: – https://www.fungi.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4098

A tragic loss for his family and friends, and a major loss to the entire mycological community.

I think there would be very few people – if any, who could match Chris’s knowledge of rust fungi.

Regards,

Mike.

[markwilson]

Hi Mike

Sorry I had not heard about Chris. He was always so helpful and forgiving for those of us who were not experts.

Regards

Mark Wilson

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Mark,

I just spootted a post on the British Mycological Society Facebook page, with a photo of a Yew aril with what looks to be a very similar fungus attack to that shown in your photos: –

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10163382929892627&set=gm.10159075258996619&idorvanity=18843741618

A response comment to that post suggests that the fungus will be Penicillium expansum.

QUOTE “Likely Penicillium expansum which is common on fruits and berrys, or closely related species” UNQUOTE.

Having compared that photo to yours, (and especially your final two photos which show some of the fungus with pale green colouration), I’m thinking that that ID suggestion might well be correct.

Regards,

Mike

[markwilson]

Hi Mike

Thanks for link – looks likely

Regards

Mark

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