SECTION MERISMUS. 



28. SPORES SMOOTH, HYALINE. PLANTS FLESHY. 



UMBELLATUS (Fig. 450). Stem dividing into many branches, 

 each bearing a small pileus centrally attached. Flesh white. Pores 

 decurrent on the branches of the stem, with angular mouths. Spores 

 3x10, hyaline, smooth. The stem is said to arise from an under- 

 ground, thickened rootstalk or sclerotium. This is a most striking 

 and peculiar species and very rare both in Europe and the United 

 States. 



Fig. 450 

 Merismus umbellatus. (Reduced more than half). 



FRONDOSUS. Pileoli very numerous, imbricate, dimidiate or 

 spathulate, fuliginous gray, with white, decurrent pores. They proceed 

 from a common root stalk. This species, which is quite common both 

 in Europe and the United States, sometimes forms large clusters two 

 feet in diameter. It usually grows at the base of a tree or stump. It 

 can be readily known from the more rare species (umbellatus) by 

 the insertion of the pileoli, though in their general habits they are 

 very similar. 



WYNNEI. Pileus merismatoid, imbricate, irregular, semi-in- 

 crusting, and in habits of growth resembles somewhat Thelephora ter- 

 restris. Upper surface yellowish brown, smooth but uneven, rugulose. 

 Context thin or a mere pellicle. Pores medium, elongated, round, 



150 



