GEASTEK. 37 



columella prominent or obsolete; capillitium well deve- 

 loj)ed. 



Geaster, Mich., Nov. PI, Gen., p. 220 ; Mass., Mon. Gast, 

 p. 76. 



Characterised by the exoperidium splitting into several 

 segments which spread out in a stellate manner. 



Subgen. Mi/riostoma. Orifices and pedicels of endoperidium 

 indejinite in number, 



Geaster coliformis. Pers. 



Exoperidium cut into several acute segments; endo- 

 peridium spherico-depressed, supported on several distinct 

 pedicels ; orifices several, ciliated ; spores umber in the 

 mass ; threads of capillitium usually unbranched ; spores 

 globose, warted, 5-6 /x. 



Geaster coliformis. Berk., Outl. 210 ; Cke., Hdbk., n. 1070 ; 

 Mass., Mon. Gast., p. 77, f. 66. 



In sandy places; known by the endoperidium being 

 furnished with several orifices for the escape of the spores, 

 and in being supported on several pedicels or stalks. Endo- 

 peridium 3— i in. across when expanded. 



Subgen. Monostoma. Endoperidiimi ivith a single orifice and 

 pedicel, or the latter may he absent. 



A. Endoperidium distinctly pedicellate. 



Geaster Bryantii. Berk. 



Exoperidium cut into 8-10 acute segments, which become 

 incurved ; endoperidium subglobose, pedicellate, with a 

 distinct groove round the top of the pedicel ; peristome 

 conical, sulcato-striate ; mass of spores dark brown ; threads 

 of capillitium usually unbranched; spores globose, warted, 

 4-6 ij.. 



Geaster Bryantii, Berk., Outl., p. 300; Cke., Hdbk., 

 n. 1073 ; Mass., Mon. Gast., p. 77, f. 56. 



On the ground amongst leaves, &c. Distinguished by the 

 groove round the top of the peduncle, and the elongated, 

 conical, fluted peristome forming the orifice ; 1^2 in. across 

 when expanded. 



Var. minor, Beik. 



Smaller than typical form, under 1 in. when expanded. 



