Coniophora olivacea

The genus Coniophora is characterized by strictly resupinate species developing on dead wood of various tree species, predominantly conifers. Coniophora olivacea, as its specific name implies, typically displays brown or olivaceous shades. Its microscopy reveals a diagnostic feature that readily distinguishes it from congeners: the presence of immense cystidia. These can reach up to 300 µm in length, are cylindrical, multiseptate, and heavily encrusted with crystalline matter.

We found this species in February, growing on the underside of a fallen trunk of Pinus nigra in Miranda de Ebro (Burgos).