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Lenzites betulina Birch Lenzites
Daedaleopsis confragosa Blood-stained Bracket
Merulius tremellosus Jelly Rot Fungus
Chondrosierium purpureum Silver Leaf Fungus
ASCOMYCETES
Apiocrea chrysosperma
Hypoxylon multiforme Birch Cushion
Leptosphaeria acuta
MYXOMYCETES (SLIME MOULDS)
Didymium difforme
Didymium squamulosum
Tony Boniface
AN ELUSIVE SCENT
For many years 1 have been aware of a sweet and pleasant smell in late winter and early
spring. Initially it seemed to be in or close to woodland. The weather obviously is never
hot nor is it ever freezing cold, the wind absent or gentle. The soil London Clay or
Bagshot Sand. The scent, which is a better description, is never strong and usually
intermittent and I have never been able to get anyone else to be aware of it.
I have ruled out any of the flowers of the higher plants. The only likely common factor
seems to be Creeping soft grass (Holcus mollis) which is common in or on the edge of
woodland although I am aware of other non-woodland sites, but I am usually able to find
the grass or expect its presence. Bearing in mind the time of year I suspected it was
connected to the resurgence of growth, not necessarily above ground and possibly a
fungus or lower organism in association with the host.
This December I became aware of the scent just downwind of a small piece of grass
which no doubt contains Creeping soft grass. This was immediately after the last snow
had melted. The autumn having been mild there was quite a lot of lush growth, which,
under the snow, had fallen to the ground and was decomposing.
I am wondering if the scent is connected to the decomposition of this grass rather than its
spring growth, as late December in the snow is not very likely for spring growth.
David Bloomfield