Sedge Sclerotinia
Myriosclerotinia sulcata
The Sedge Sclerotinia is a highly specialized ascomycete fungus that lives parasitically or saprobically on various sedge species (Carex spp.). It forms characteristic black, often furrowed sclerotia within the pith of the host plant as resting stages. In early spring, often immediately after the snow melts, long-stalked, cup-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia) grow from these sclerotia. The species is a typical inhabitant of wetlands such as fens, sedge meadows, and transition zones.
Details
Identification
Cup-shaped, ochre to light brown apothecia; very long, slender stalk (up to 10 cm); arises from a black, elongated sclerotium inside Carex stems.
Diet
Obtains nutrients as a parasite or saprobe directly from the tissues of sedges (Carex species).
Overwintering
Overwintering as a sclerotium (resting form) within the dead plant tissue of the sedges.
Ecology
Ecological role
Decomposer of organic material in wetlands; contributes to nutrient cycling in sedge meadows.
Natural predators
Insect larvae, snails, and other mycophagous invertebrates.
Competitor species
Other specialized fungi on sedges, such as Myriosclerotinia duriaeana or various smut fungi.
Ecosystem service
Support of the nutrient cycle by breaking down difficult-to-decompose sedge tissue.
Threats
Drainage of mires, loss of wet grasslands, eutrophication, and intensive agriculture.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Characteristic is the occurrence on Carex species (sedges) and the emergence from a sclerotium located inside the previous year's stems. The sclerotia of M. sulcata are often distinctly longitudinally furrowed, unlike related species.
Habitat
Fens, transition mires, sedge marshes, silting zones of stagnant waters, and wet ditches.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction via ascospores produced in asci and actively discharged at maturity. Asexual stages (sclerotia) serve for survival during unfavorable periods.
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Drainage of wetlands, groundwater depletion, eutrophication (nitrogen deposition), and the associated displacement of host sedges by more competitive species or scrub encroachment.
Conservation measures
Protection and restoration of mires and sedge marshes, maintenance of natural flooding dynamics, and avoidance of nutrient input into sensitive wetlands.