Description |
On its primary host, Juniper, this fungus produces rusty horns with a rubbery texture; each horn is typically 1cm across and up to 3cm long; they are clustered around stem, usually in the form of a ball.
Juniper trees do not seem to be damaged by this rust fungus, but its alternate host, Hawthorn, is more seriously affected, not only by yellow spots on its leaves but also via the haws (fruits of the Hawthorn), which sprout small white tubes that eventually produce spores. The spores released from the fungus on a hawthorn must contact a Juniper, of course, in order to continue the process. |
Similar species |
Many other rust fungi produce orange spots on the leaves of particular plants; others produce yellow, red, purple or black spots. The colour of the fruitbody and the host species infected are aids to identification.
Few people study this fascinating branch of mycology, for which a good microscope is essential. |