Bell-shaped Stalk-cup
Calycina campanula
The bell-shaped stalk-cup is a tiny ascomycete that forms distinctly stalked, bell-shaped fruiting bodies. The apothecia usually reach only a few millimeters in diameter and vary in color between light yellow and whitish. It prefers moist locations such as ditches or stream banks, where it decomposes plant remains.
Details
Identification
Fruiting bodies 0.5–2 mm, bell-shaped concave, outer surface finely downy, stalk clearly distinct, color light yellow to lemon yellow.
Diet
Saprobic; feeds by decomposing cellulose and lignin in dead stems of herbs (e.g., Filipendula, Epilobium) and ferns.
Overwintering
Survival as mycelium within the substrate (plant stems).
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary decomposer in the nutrient cycle of moist terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats.
Natural predators
Slugs and tiny fungivorous insects such as collembolans.
Competitor species
Other small saprobic fungi of the order Helotiales.
Ecosystem service
Acceleration of nutrient turnover and provision of nutrients for the soil flora.
Threats
Habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and intensive mowing of riparian buffer strips.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Characteristic features include the bell-shaped form, the distinct stalk, and the specific substrate (herbaceous stems). Microscopically distinguishable by spore size (approx. 7-10 x 1.5-2.5 µm) and inamyloid asci. The species prefers moist habitats.
Habitat
Damp tall herb communities, forest edges, ditches, and ruderal sites with high humidity and nutrient-rich soils.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction via ascospores produced within the asci of the hymenium.
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Habitat loss due to intensive mowing of roadsides, removal of nettle stands, and drainage of wetland sites.
Conservation measures
Preservation of margin biotopes and tall herb communities; leaving dead plant stems over winter; protection of wetlands.