330 A TEXTBOOK OF THEORETICAL BOTANY 



are certain genera which live exclusively below ground. Little is known 

 about them, but it has been suggested that the spores may be distributed by 

 earthworms. 



Few Gasteromvcetes have been critically studied, and we shall confine 

 our attention to two fairly well-known types, Cyatkus striatiis and Phallus 

 impudiciis. 



Cyathus striatus 



This very beautiful little Gasteromycete is found growing fairly commonly 

 on stumps or on the ground among dead leaves in woods. In shape it 

 resembles an inverted bell, the outside of which is reddish brown in colour 

 and distinctly hairy. The interior is lead coloured, fluted and smooth. In 



Flu. 325. — Cyathus shuilus. Group of fruiting bodies 

 developed on decaying wood among leaves. 



the young state the bell is covered by a thin pale membrane, the epiphragm, 

 but this soon disappears exposing a- number of whitish, sub-circular bodies, 

 the peridiola, which are attached to the inner wall by a short cord or funi- 

 culus. The whole fruiting body is about 1-5 cm. high, but as it is usually 

 produced in groups it is relatively easily recognized (Fig. 325). 



On account of their peculiar appearance this and two allied genera, 

 Crucibulum and Nidularia, are collectively spoken of as the Bird's Nest Fungi. 



Development of the Fruiting Body 



The mycelium is composed of binucleated cells, and clamp connections 

 are formed abundantly. With the inception of a fruiting body certain hyphae 

 become matted together into a small whitish knot. At the base of the knot 

 the hyphae grow out in a fan-like manner and surround the knot itself. 

 Meanwhile from the knot is difi^erentiated internally a mass of very fine, 

 much-branched and intricately interwoven threads. Later this mass separates 

 into a closely woven lower part and a less dense upper part with large spaces 

 between the hyphae. 



