Puccinia circaeae

Description

The rust fungus Puccinia circaeae galls the leaves of Enchanter's-nightshade. The lower surfaces of leaves have raised areas bearing the telia, with a corresponding yellowing or reddish depression on the upperside.  There is no host alternation, and only telia are formed on the leaf undersides.    Some telia on the petioles and midribs are darker brown and germinate after over-wintering. 

Similar Species

The pale yellow uredinia of Pucciniastrum circaeae may also be present on Enchanter's Nightshade, but are not gall-causing.

Identification difficulty

host/gall

Recording advice

Photograph the rust on the host.  Ensure you have noted the host-plant species in your comments

Habitat

Shaded places and woodlands, on Enchanter's-nightshade

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

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Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

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Species profile

Species group:
fungus
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Pucciniales
Family:
Pucciniaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
21
First record:
14/08/2016 (Grimes, Martin)
Last record:
07/07/2025 (Alton, John)

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