Trichophaea abundans

A small ascomycete colonizing burnt wood in fire-affected sites. Rarely exceeding 2–3 mm in diameter, with gregarious habit forming large troops. The apothecial margin is fringed by numerous septate, hyaline hairs that are very conspicuous under the microscope. Hymenium colour varies from greyish to ochraceous brown, darkening when dry. Its anthracophilic habitat and morphology make it readily identifiable.

Studied specimens were collected over several days in early February in Berango (Bizkaia), growing on the underside of charred wood in a burnt Eucalyptus globulus plantation.