Microcalicium ahlneri Tibell

A tiny lichenised fungus with stalked fruiting bodies that grows on dead wood of logs, stumps and snags, in places protected against rain. Currently, the species (and the entire Microcalicium genus) is considered non-lichenised but its way of organic compound acquisition is unknown. According to our observations, M. ahlneri may be a primitive lichen without an apparent thallus, living in a loose relationship with algae on wood surface. The species may be found on wood of conifers, less often of deciduous trees, typically in natural mountain forests. It may grow even on shaded dry bark at bases of old conifers. In central Europe, the species is rather rare. Most Czech records come from the Šumava Mts and locally, it is abundant in the Beskydy Mts. The species is probably very rare at lower elevations, occurring only in specific habitats with cold and humid climate (such as Týřov in the Křivoklát region).

Ascomycota → incertae sedis Ascomycota → Microcaliciaceae → Microcalicium