POLYPORUS. 237 



Smaller than the typical form, about 1 in, across, thin, 

 almost regular in outline, stem equal, excentric. 

 On trunks. 



Polyporus petaloides. Fr. 



Pileus 2 in. or more across, spathulate, thin, almost 

 membranaceous, rugose, but without zones, smooth, pliant 

 when growing, dark chestnut-colour; pores decurrent, very 

 short, minute, white ; stem lateral, ascendini;, compressed 

 and expanding into the pileus, smooth, whitish, not rooting 

 but expanding at the base into a discoid organ of attach- 

 ment ; spores elliptical, almost colourless, 6 X 2*5-3 /a. 



Polyporus petaloides. Fries, Epicr., p. 44-i; Stev., Brit. 

 Fung., p. 192. 



On old stumps. Distinguished by the lateral stem, 

 flabelliform, dark chestnut-coloured pileus, and the minute 

 pores averaging about 3 in the space of 1 mm. The pileus 

 and stem are more or less erect during growth ; when dry 

 the pileus becomes involute and fragile, also very rugulose, 

 due to contraction. 



III. MEEISMA. 



Pileoli numerous, springing from a common trunk or tubercle^ 

 which is often much divided upwards. 



Polyporus umbellatus. Fr. 



Excessively branched, substance fibrous, elastic; pileoli 

 irregularly circular, depressed, ^2 in. across, smoky, dingy 

 yellowish, or with a rufous tinge, pores white, minute ; 

 stems whitish, elongated, distinct and spreading, excej)t at 

 the base, where they unite to form a common, thick, root- 

 like mass. 



Polyporus umbellatus, Fries, Syst. Myc. i. p. 354 : Stev., 

 Brit. Fung., p. 193. 



On the ground and near or on stumps, in woods, &c. The 

 numerous branches spreading from a centre and the regular, 

 depressed pileoli characterise the present species. 



Tufts spreading, dense, 6-9 in. across, form variable, 

 stems very much branched, connate at the base. Pilei more 

 or less depressed, l-l^ in. broad, very numerous, the larger 



