XYLARIAS WITH CONIDIAL SPORES BORNE 

 ABOVE THE CLUBS 



XYLARIA FIMBRIATA, FROM J. A. STEVENSON, PORTO 



RICO. I have a photograph, made at Kew, of the conidial state 



(Fig. 1083) of this plant, labeled as above. As far as I know it was 

 never published. If Xylarias were intelligently classed, one section, 

 and a small one, would be devoted to the species that bear their 

 conidial spores on branches above and develop the ascus spores on a 

 club below the conidial branches. At present the section would em- 

 brace but two species Xylaria fimbriata and Xylaria comosa. 



Fig. 1083. 



Fig. 1084. 



Fig. 1085. 



The ripe specimens of Xylaria fimbriata (Fig. 1084), sent by Mr. 

 Stevenson, are the first mature specimens we have seen. It must be 

 a rare species for, excepting a few conidial plants at Kew, I did not find 

 it in any museum of Europe, nor is it included in Theissen's or Star- 

 back's recent account of South American species. The species grows 

 from the ground with a slender, rooting base. The clubs are cylin- 

 drical, rough with the prominent perithecia. The apex is crowned 

 with the white remains of the conidial branches. Spores are small, 

 about 4x8. Mr. Stevenson sends also the conidial state (Fig. 1085). 

 The conidia are borne on fimbriate branches at the end of the club. 

 Our best thanks are extended, to Mr, Stevenson for material which 

 enables us to get this species straight. 



XYLARIA COMOSA (Fig. 1086). In connection with Xylaria 

 fimbriata we consider this species, which bears its conidial spores on 

 branches above in a similar manner. It was named by Montagne, 

 who gave a characteristic though diagrammatic figure. The type is 

 still preserved at Paris. It seems to be not rare in South America, 

 though not recorded from the West Indies. Our figure, made from 

 specimens distributed by Rev. Rick, is characteristic The clubs, 

 usually ovate or short, cylindrical are quite distinct from the stipe. 

 They are usually marmorate with little white spots. Spores (teste 

 Theissen) large, 7-11 x 26-38. 



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