Peziza repanda Persoon has been discussed in detail above ([p. 200]); its close relatives P. petersii Berkeley & Curtis (brown with grey tints and with spores finely warted and measuring 10-12 × 5-6 µm), P. praetervisa Bresadola (violet or mauve and with spores finely warted and measuring 11-13 × 6-8 µm), P. violacea Persoon (dark violet with smooth spores measuring 13-15 × 7-9 µm) and P. echinospora Karsten (dark chocolate brown with spores densely warted and 14-18 × 7-10 µm in size) all grow on the sites of old bonfires or around charred root stumps. Rhizina undulata also found by charred stumps has been described on [p. 203]. These are large to medium sized disc-fungi, but there are many much smaller species which cannot be dealt with here, such as species of Anthracobia and Trichophaea. Pyrenomycetes are also found on charred wood and soil. Probably the commonest species of fungus met with is a pale reddish orange to rose-pink disc-fungus seated on a white mycelial mat; this is Pyronema omphalodes (St Amans) Fuckel. Morchella esculenta St Amans and M. elata Fries (see [p. 200]) appear to grow on the sites of garden bonfires or where cinders have been spread on the soil surface. The stimulus for fruiting appears to be due to the release of mineral nutrients during the process of burning. Competition from other fungi appears to be reduced so rapid colonisation by the bonfire fungi (carbonicoles) after the period of sterilisation ensures their development. Many similar fungi were found about bomb- and shell-craters on the continent during the two World Wars.
One microscope fungus, however, must be mentioned when considering bonfires and that is Neurospora sitophila Shear & Dodge so much used in genetical studies. It can be found as the conidial state on burnt soil and is called ‘Baker’s mould’ because it is frequently found growing on refuse in the hot moist conditions of bakers’ kitchens.
Plate 74. Fungi of bonfire-sites
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(iii) Fungi of bogs and marshes
(a) Sphagnum bogs
Hypholoma elongatum (Fries) Ricken
Cap: width 12-20 mm. Stem: width 3-5 mm; length 50-80 mm.
Description: [Plate 75].