Dichotomous table for gallers on Ornithogalum
by Hans Roskam
1a On above-ground parts => 2
1b Roots with nodular swellings. Ornithogalum spp.: Meloidogyne hapla
1c Cotyledon thickened and often ± crisp. O. candicans: Ditylenchus dipsaci
2a Expanded bulges on green parts => 3
2b Galls just visible to the naked eye, developing from epidermis cells; simple hemispherical, dirty white, brown margined; single or in groups, resulting in curling of the leaf. O. umbellatum: Synchytrium niesslii
3a Bulges compact, slightly protruding, yellow or yellow-margined, soon covered with dark-brown sori containing 2-celled teliospores. Species only distinguishable microscopically => 5
3b Bulges ± swollen, bladder-like, at first vitreous, lead-grey translucent, then breaking open and producing dusting of black smut spores. Species only distinguishable microscopically => 4
4a Spores single. O. boucheanum, narbonense, umbellatum: Vankya ornithogali
4b Spores united in larger balls, with (1) 2–3 or more, enveloped by a layer of sterile auxiliary cells. Ornithogalum spp.: Urocystis ornithogali
5a Teliospores glabrous, 50–70 x 25–35 µm. Ornithogalum spp.: Puccinia liliacearum
5b Surface of teliospores covered with coarse warts; on average about 24‒35 x 49–52 µm. Ornithogalum spp.: Puccinia lojkaiana