Ombrophila janthina

This is a beautiful and striking ascomycete found on wood or plant debris in very damp areas. The ascoma is initially pulvinate, becoming umbilicate at maturity; it is small, not exceeding 8 mm in diameter at best. The stipe is short, though occasionally more developed. Its coloration can vary according to moisture levels, from lilac shades to more pinkish-violet tones.

There has always been some controversy as to whether Ombrophila janthina and violacea represent the same species, and it appears that today they are finally synonymized.

It is a rare species in our region or perhaps difficult to locate due to its size; nevertheless, we have managed to find it twice: the first in Galdakao (Bizkaia), on very wet remains of Ulex europaeus beside a stream, and the second in Zuia (Álava), also by a stream on heavily decayed broadleaf wood.

The microscopic images correspond to the first collection made together with friend Ricardo Ibarretxe, who provided the specimens.