 The fungus "Rhabdocline pseudotsugae" have apothecia that are normally first produced on the under side of the needles, but it's not uncommon to find them on the top surface too.They are first produced as rounded cushions and as the epidermal layer ruptures, a brown elongated disc is exposed.Needle drop occurs after the ascospores are discharged, normally resulting in only a one year life span for the fungus.