Ustilago filiformis

Description

The fungus Ustilago filiformis affects the leaves of various Glyceria species such as Reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima). The epidermis of the affected leaves rupture to reveal long narrow strips of the dark red-brown spore mass.  Spore-size less then or equal to 6mu

Similar Species

There may be other species that affect Glyceria in a similar way.  Spore-size should be checked. To be certain of ID, expert examination of a specimen is recommended

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photos are required, showing the smut and the host.  Ensure you have included a note identifying the host-plant and the spore-size

UK Status

Widespread in England, less well recorded elsewhere in Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Ustilaginales
Family:
Ustilaginaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
03/07/2024 (Smith, Peter)
Last record:
08/07/2024 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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