Melampsora caprearum explained

Melampsora caprearum is a fungal pathogen which causes galls on willows (Salix species). Also known as a rust fungus, it was first described by Felix von Thümen in 1879.

Description

Melampsora caprearum distorts the blades and veins of willow leaves, causing irregular spots with yellow-orange uredinia (which produce a powdery mass of spores). The rust has been found on eared willow (Salix aurita), goat willow (S. caprea), grey willow (S. cinerea) and their hybrids.^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

Has been recorded from Belgium (photo), Finland, Great Britain (common) and Poland.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Redfern . Margaret . Shirley . Peter . Boxham . Michael . British Plant Galls . 2011 . Field Study Council . Shrewsbury . 978-185153-284-1. 282–299 . Second.
2. Web site: Ellis. W N. Melampsora caprearum Thümen 1879. Plant Parasites of Europe. 29 December 2017.
3. Web site: Category:Melampsora caprearum. Wikimedia Commons. 29 December 2017.