SAPROPHYTIC FUNGI OF EASTERN IOWA. ^ 



3, Merulius tremellosus Schradcr. 



Pileus resupinate, at length free and reflexed, fleshy, tremel- 

 Hne, tomentose, white, the margin denticulate, radiate; pores 

 rather large, irregular, at first red, then brownish; spores 

 cylindric, curved about IX4- 



Very variable in form and size, distinguished by its gelatin- 

 ous texture from the preceding as well as by its tendency to 

 form reflexed, even imbricated pilei. On various trunks, not 

 vmcommon. 



II. P O R O T H E L I U M. 



(This genus is reported but is not in our collection.) 



III. SOLENIA. 



Pileus none. H3'menium bearing tubules distinct, discrete, 

 more or less scattered; the mouth of the tubules at first closed 

 by the connivent edges. 



A very singular genus with the habit of the Pezizas. the tiny 

 sporocarps more or less hygroscopic, i. e., opening and closing 

 according to the state of the atmosphere, differing, of course, 

 from all Pezizas and ascom}cetous forms, in the abstriction 

 of the spores. Were each individual tubule reckoned a 

 sporocarp the Solenias might be included with the genus 

 CyphcIIa. Species of this genus are few in the United States, 

 in our district so far but one. 



I. SoLENiA oCHRACEA Iloffnianu. 



Tubules clavate or cylindric, immediately sessile upon the 

 substratum, cespitose or gregarious, externally ochraceous- 

 yellow, silky or appressed hairy, within white, about Y2 

 millimetre high. 



Not uncommon, frequently collected in various quarters 

 and sent in as a slime-mould which the species to the naked 

 eye somewhat resembles. The tiny tubules suggest the 

 sporangia of some Trichia or Hemiarcyria. The entire absence 

 of myceUum or subiculum contributes to the plausible mis- 

 take. Found on decaying tree-trunks of various sorts. 



