Pathogens in Coastal Habitats

Spring Squill Tractema verna

Spring Squill Smut Antherospora tractemae

Note the incurved petals.

Locally common where the host is found. It is present in some sites and not others for no obvious reason. Look for any brown spores on the anthers — often far more subtle than in the photos I have shown, as they are easily washed away by the rain.