Nectria cinnabarina

Nectria cinnabarina, commonly known as Coral Spot Fungus, is a type of fungus that belongs to the Nectriaceae family. It is widely recognized for its distinctive coral-red fruit bodies, which are often found on dead or dying wood.

Description

Nectria cinnabarina is a small, ascomycete fungus that produces conspicuous, coral-red perithecia (fruit bodies). These fruit bodies are typically 1-4mm in diameter and are often clustered together, giving the appearance of a coral spot. The fungus is primarily found on dead or dying wood, particularly on deciduous trees such as beech and sycamore.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Nectria cinnabarina involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The asexual stage, or anamorph, is known as Tubercularia vulgaris and produces pink, cushion-like conidia on the surface of the wood. The sexual stage, or teleomorph, produces the characteristic coral-red perithecia.

Distribution and Habitat

Nectria cinnabarina is widely distributed across the world, particularly in temperate regions such as North America and Europe. It is commonly found on dead or dying wood in forests, parks, and gardens. The fungus prefers deciduous trees, but can also be found on conifers.

Impact

While Nectria cinnabarina is not a significant forest pathogen, it can cause cankers on a variety of tree species. These cankers can lead to branch dieback and, in severe cases, tree death. However, the fungus also plays an important role in nutrient cycling by decomposing dead wood.

See Also

• Nectria peziza
• Nectria galligena
• Fungus
• Ascomycota