Monthly Archives: October 2013

Shocking pink is back!

Posted on 2013/10/28 by Fay Newbery

It was shocking pink lipstick in the 1960s. Now shocking pink fungus is appearing on our trees! Illiosporiopsis christiansenii is a bright pink fungus which grows on various lichens that are common in nitrogen-enriched places. Although Whiteknights is not close … Continue reading →

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Spangle leaf-manglers: Neuroterus spp.

Posted on 2013/10/24 by Waheed

If you’ve spent any time admiring the variety of oaks (Quercus spp.) on campus, you may have noticed strange growths on various parts of the trees. During last week’s Vegetation Survey and Assessment session, I came across a badly affected … Continue reading →

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Orange pustules

Posted on 2013/10/21 by Fay Newbery

Puccinia lageniphorae is a common rust fungus that occurs on a large number of host plants. Among these are Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) and Bellis perennis (Daisy). Both of these plants are common on campus. Groundsel occurs on disturbed ground, in flowerbeds and in paving cracks. … Continue reading →

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Ink Caps, Hare’s Feet: Toadstools on campus

Posted on 2013/10/13 by drmgoeswild

A combination of mild damp autumnal weather and an abundance of wood chippings on campus seems to be paying dividends for the fungal flora of Whiteknights. Here we see the Hare’s Foot Ink Cap (Coprinopsis lagopus) flourishing on wood chippings near … Continue reading →

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Leaf-mining moths going conkers…

Posted on 2013/10/11 by Waheed

While strolling around the campus grounds, have you been wondering what’s happening to our horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Sapindaceae) trees? Are those brown leaves really showing signs of an early autumn? These leaves are actually changing colour for a … Continue reading →

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