Merismodes bresadolae

Merismodes monacha, formerly also known as Maireina monacha, is a basidiomycete disguised as an ascomycete, usually found growing on decayed remains of various herbaceous plants.

It is a tiny species, no more than 3 mm across, cup-shaped, opening at maturity. The margin is covered with encrusted brown hairs that in my measurements could exceed 200 µm in length.

A seldom-referenced species, but perhaps, rather than truly rare, simply overlooked due to its tiny size.

The microscopy in this study is based on a collection made in late September in the Navarrese municipality of Ameskoabarrena, on stems of Hieracium umbellatum.

An earlier photograph of another collection on stems of Lavandula angustifolia from July in the municipality of Arraia-Maeztu (Álava) is also attached.