The rust fungus Phragmidium violaceum produces large (0.1 x 0.03mm) redish septate spores (i.e. spores with divisions across them) with colourless 'tails' in contrast to many other fungi which produce simple spores. The number of septa is an important identification feature, P. violaceum has mostly 3 septa whereas the similar P. bulbosum has mostly 5 septa. [If you get this far and want more information on the identification of fungi growing on plants then the best guide is 'Microfungi on land plants - an identification guide' by M.B. & J. P. Ellis (1985), Croom Helm, London, 818 pages, the book deals with 3,300 species although is currently out of print.].

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