Polyporaceas 



FISTULI'NA Bull. 



Fistula, a pipe. 



Hymenium formed on the under surface of a fleshy hymenophore, at Fistuiina. 

 first warted, the warts developing into cylindrical tubes that remain dis- 

 tinct and free from each other, producing in their interior cellular pro- 

 cesses each bearing four spores. Conidia are produced in cavities of the 

 old hymenophore. 



With the outward appearance of a Polyporus, but separated by the 

 tubes being free from each other. 



A small genus of which F. hepatica is the principal species. This is 

 known and valued in Europe and wherever found in this country. Un- 

 fortunately it is rare or unknown in many localities. A new species has 

 recently been found in the United States Fistuiina firma, by Mrs. A. 

 M. Hadley, Manchester, N. H. a white-flesh species whose edibility 

 is not reported. Torrey Bull., 1899. F. pallida B. and Rav. ; F. 

 radicata, Schw. ; F. spathulata B. and C., are reported from Alabama. 

 Edible qualities not stated. The writer has not seen them or he surely 

 would have tested them. The spread and cultivation of F. hepatica is 

 possible. Experiments in this line are desirable. 



F. hepat'ica (Huds. ) Fr. Gr resembling the liver. (Plate CXXV, 

 fig. i, p. 476.) Juicy-fleshy, not rooting. Pileus entire, blood-red. 

 Flesh thick, soft, viscid above, trans versed with tenacious fibers, hence 

 variegated-red. Tubes at first pallid. 



Changeable in form, sessile or extended into a lateral stem. Fries. 



Spores salmon-color, nearly round with an oblique apiculus, 3ju, W. 

 G.S.; broadly elliptical, 5-6x3-4^; conidia, 6-iox5/A Massee; yellow- 

 ish, elliptical, 5-6.5/1. long Peck. 



West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. August to frost. Mcll- 

 vaine. 



Small specimens may be confounded with F. pallida, which follows. 



Fistuiina hepatica is celebrated in most countries, and known usually 

 as the Beefsteak fungus. It grows from decaying crevices in oak, chest- 

 nut and other trees and stumps, but those named are its favorites. July, 

 August, September are its months, and after rains. In some localities 

 and years it is rare. At Mt. Gretna, in 1898, a hundred pounds of it 

 could be gathered almost any day. 



477 



