Coprinus micaceus

[Tilio-acerion]

I'm just wondering whether the annual re-appearance of a cluster of Coprinus micaceus, at the base of a veteran Ash, is of significance? All I can find about the species is that it occurs on decaying stumps and roots of broadleaved trees. Would the presence suggest that the base and/or roots are already significantly decayed to be acting as a host? There are areas of basal decay and dead bark present.

[David Humphries]

C. micaceus is a saprophytic fungi so the mycelium will only be feeding off the dysfunctional material available.

 

All aging trees will have roots that become dysfunctional at some point (old tap roots etc....) which get replaced by new roots.

 

 

It may be worth considering that there may be a primary pathogen (of this trees roots) present, that is not fruiting when you've visited, but could be the reason for the Coprinus ongoing presence.

 

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[Tilio-acerion]

Thanks for that, there were the remenants of another fruiting body present at the base but too far gone to effectively ID. I'll keep an eye on it.