Diderma alpinum

Abstract

Diagnostic features. The genus Diderma can usually be distinguished in the field by the matt calcareous or egg-shell-like character of the peridium. The nivicolous members of this genus are easily confused, but Diderma alpinum can sometimes be distinguished by the combination of an obvious and continuous hypothallus uniting all sporocarps, a smooth peridium, a light-coloured delicate capillitium with dark spindle-shaped bodies, and spores 11–13 µm diam.