Hello Everyone,

I recently found a species of Leptosphaeria or Phaeosphaeria growing on very decayed stems of Juncus effusus.

It seems that it represents a different species from those known to grow on Juncus, such as L. junci, L. juncicola and L. junciseda. Having considered many other species on grasses, sedges, reedmace and herbaceous plants, I still do not find a suitable species.

The main distinctive characteristic is 7-septate golden spores with the 4th cell distinctly swollen. The immature golden spores have 5 or 6 septa. Overmature spores are dark brown in colour and become mis-shapen. (Intermediate spores show that both the golden and dark brown spores are from the same species of Leptosphaeria.)

I have attached a photograph of the fruit bodies, which are quite old and have become partially erumpent. They have central ostioles and are more or less spherical.

I have also attached a rough microscopy sketch, with measurements and showing spores in two rows in the asci, though no complete asci were seen.

I wonder if anyone has an idea as to the species? 

Thank you,
Peter.