Mitrula is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerotiniaceae[1] first described by Elias Magnus Fries, in his Systema Mycologicum (1821).

Mitrula
Mitrula paludosa
Scientific classification
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Mitrula

Type species
Mitrula paludosa
Fr.
Species

M. alba
M. elegans
M. lunulatospora
M. microspora
M. paludosa
M. serpentina

The common name for the matchstick-like fungus is either swamp beacon (US) or bog beacon (GB)[2] refers to the white stipe with yellow fruiting cap. The genus is notable for growing on decaying vegetation in shallow water.[3]

The saprobiontic fungi depend on wet or boggy habitats, with plenty of rotting vegetation. They live and feed on rotting leaves and stems, breaking them down into smaller compounds on which various plants and animals feed. [2]

The aquatic discomycete Mitrula can be found in Europe, Asia, and North America. They still hold an uncertain position within the Helotiales.[4]

The species include Mitrula alba, Mitrula elegans, Mitrula lunulatospora, Mitrula microspora, Mitrula paludosa and Mitrula serpentina. Some of them are difficult to distinguish, for instance the match-stick fungus Mitrula elegans is often mistaken as Mitrula paludosa.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Lumbsch TH, Huhndorf SM. (December 2007). "Outline of Ascomycota – 2007". Myconet. 13. Chicago, USA: The Field Museum, Department of Botany: 1–58.
  2. ^ a b "Mitrula paludosa Fr. - Bog Beacon". First Nature. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  3. ^ Redhead, Scott A. (2005). "The genus Mitrula in North America". Canadian Journal of Botany. 92 (9): 1565–74. doi:10.1139/b77-042.
  4. ^ Zheng, Wang; Binder, Manfred; Hibbett, David (2005). "Life history and systematics of the aquatic discomycete Mitrula (Helotiales, Ascomycota) based on cultural, morphological, and molecular studies". American Journal of Botany. 92 (9): 1565–74. doi:10.3732/ajb.92.9.1565. PMID 21646174.
  5. ^ "California Fungi—Mitrula elegans". Mykoweb. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  6. ^ "Mitrula elegans Berk. (246783)". Mushroom Observer. Retrieved 29 November 2021.