346 THE BASIDIOMYCETES 



are tiny, being about 1 cm tall, whereas others, such as Sparassis 

 crispa, may attain a diameter of nearly 0.5 meter. Clavariaceae 

 undoubtedly possess among the most beautiful of fungus fructi- 

 fications. Many species are edible. 



The monograph by Coker (1923), dealing with species of 

 Clavaria occurring in Canada and the United States, is most 

 serviceable for identification of species in these countries. That 

 by Cotton and Wakefield (1918) serves for identification of Brit- 

 ish species. 



Of most importance, perhaps, is Sparassis radicata, reported by 

 Weir (1917) to kill and decay the roots and the sapwood of 

 basal portions of trunks of fir (Pseiidotsuga taxifolia), pine 

 {Finns monticola), and spruce (Picea engelmamiii). The fructi- 

 fications have a long, very compact, root-like base, into w^hich 

 soil particles may be incorporated, and which extends down to 

 the deeper lateral tree roots. This root-like base terminates in 

 rhizomorphs that penetrate the host; eventually the host roots 

 succumb. 



Hydnaceae 



The Hydnaceae are characterized by possession of spiny or 

 toothed hymenial surfaces. The fructifications may be resupi- 

 nate, pileate, or stalked, varying in consistency from fleshy to 

 leathery or woody. The Hydnaceae comprise 10 to 15 genera 

 and approximately 600 species. Nearly all are saprophytic on 

 wood, but a few cause heartwood rots of trees. Others occur 

 on the forest floor. 



Taxonomic studies of this family have been conducted by 

 Banker (1906), Miller (1933, 1933a, 1934, 1934a), and Miller and 

 Boyle (1943), and their reports are invaluable in the identifica- 

 tion of species. 



Hydninn cor all aides (also given the generic names Manina and 

 Hericium) may form large fructifications on decaying logs. 

 Hydmn7i erinaceiis {Manina cordijorinis) forms white conchoid 

 fructifications, 13 to 15 cm across, with long-pointed, pendant 

 teeth. The fructifications extend from branch scars on Nyssa, 

 Quercus, Liquidambar, Platanus, and other hardwoods. Echino- 

 dontiiim tinctoriinn forms large corky to woody fructifications 

 on Tsuga in the Pacific Northwest and is an important cause of 



