Hypohelion scirpinum. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Hypohelion scirpinum. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: Hypohelion scirpinum usually occurs on dead fallen stems and leaves of Schoenoplectus lacustris. Virtually nothing is known about the ecology of this fungus, except for Ingold's observation that its life cycle is entirely aquatic. It seems likely however that, like many other members of the Rhytismataceae, the fungus colonizes the living plant, then fruits on those leaves and stems after they have died. HOSTS: Arundinaria macrosperma (stem), Plantae gen. indet. (leaf), Schoenoplectus lacustris (stem, dead floating stem), Scirpus lacustris var. occidentalis (stem), S. validus (stem), Scirpus sp. (stem). Almost all records are from Schoenoplectus lacustris, many of the others are misidentifications or synonyms for this plant. The record on Arundinaria is questionable. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Belgium, Canada (Saskatchewan), France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Russia (Tver Oblast), Sweden, UK (England), Ukraine, USA (Dakota, Mississippi). A temperate northern hemisphere species of low altitude, not very acidic wetlands and slow flowing rivers. Rather infrequently recorded, with numbers of records declining, and some unsuccessful searches for this fungus in apparently suitable habitats in recent years. TRANSMISSION: By air-borne ascospores in humid conditions.