552 PHOSPHORESCENT FUNGI IN AUSTRALIA, 



In the original descriptions of the Australian species notes are 

 often given as to the nature of the luminosity, since this could 

 only be observed in the fresh state. A few of these remarks are 

 here reproduced. 



Pleurotus candescens — "Its luminosity is of a silvery shine and 

 very apparent; it is partially restored to it when moistened 

 again " (Mueller). 



Pleurotus gardneri — " The whole plant gives out at night a 

 bright phosphorescent light, somewhat similar to that emitted by 

 the larger fire-flies, having a pale greenish hue. From this 

 circumstance and from growing on a palm, it is called by the 

 inhabitants 'Flor de Coco '" (Gardner). 



Pleurotus illuminans — " We have now before us a luminous 

 mushroom, by which in a dark room last night we were able to 

 read distinctly the headlines of several newspapers " (Collector 

 to Mueller). 



Pleurotus phosphoreus —This species was so phosphorescent 

 that Mr. Gunn, who discovered it in Tasmania, was able to read 

 by its light, and it remained luminous six days or more. 



While the observations regarding the nature of the light and 

 the general effect produced are valuable, still there are various 

 points requiring minute inspection on which even good observers 

 were in error. Thus De Candolle, who first made known the 

 remarkable phosphorescence of P. ofearius, or the Olive-tree 

 Agaric, made the mistake of stating that the property was only 

 manifested at the time of decomposition, whereas it ceases when 

 death occurs. Fries, too, in describing the mould Cladosporium 

 umbrinum, found upon the same Agaric, considered that the 

 luminous property was due to its presence, but on other luminous 

 Agarics there are no such moulds, and the opinion is without 

 foundation. Then again the entire fungus is often said in a 

 general way to be luminous, but close inspection is required to 

 settle what parts really glow. 



There is another general statement often made that is open to 

 question, that luminous fungi are only found on dead wood. 



