GYMNOASCACEAE 



153 



spores, and pectinate h\ phae very closely resemble those of der- 

 matophytes. Gyvinoascus reesii has been collected on badly de- 

 composed twigs. 



The developmental cycle of members of this family is typified 

 by that of Amaiiroascus vernicosiis, occurring on soil and dung, 



Fig. 51. Amaiiroascus z'errncostts. (After Dangeard.) A. Antheridium 



and ascogonium by which the binucleate condition is initiated. B. Hyphal 



segment. C. Ascospore. D. Segment of ascocarp, showing stages of ascus 



formation. The asci are enveloped within a loose tangle of hyphae. 



which forms a profuse arachnoid covering over the substrate. 

 According to Dangeard (1907), pairs of erect branches coil 

 around each other, one an antheridium, the other an ascoeonium. 

 Nuclear fusions have not been observed, but the ascoffones con- 

 tinue to grow, become branched, and eventually are segmented 

 into binucleate cells. These cells become enlarged and finally 

 are the eight-spored asci. Meanwhile a loose, hyphal tangle en- 

 velops the asci and ascogenous hyphae. This loose envelope con- 

 stitutes the peridium, the forerunner of the compact-walled rind 

 of higher cleistocarpous forms. A quite similar course of devel- 

 opment takes place in Gyvinoascus reesii^ G. setosus, and G. 

 candidiis, according to Dale (1903). 



