MORELS, CUP-FUNGI, HELVELLAS, ETC. 221 



common. The stem extends the entire length of the plant, running 

 right through the cap, or perhaps it would be better to say that 

 the cap or fruiting portion forms two narrow blades or wings on 

 opposite sides of the upper part of the stem. These wing-like ex- 

 pansions of the cap on the opposite sides of the stem give the spathu- 

 late form to the plant. Figure 220 is from plants collected in the 

 woods near Ithaca. 



Figure 221. Leotia lubrica (natural size). Copyright. 



Leotia lubrica Pers. The genus Leotia is quite readily recognized 

 by its form, and because the plants are usually slimy. This species 

 is called lubrica because of the slippery character of the entire plant. 

 It is dull yellowish or olive yellow in color. The cap, as can be seen 

 from the figure (221), is irregularly rounded, and broader than the 

 stem. The plant is illustrated natural size from specimens collected 

 near Ithaca. 



THE TRUE CUP-FUNGI. 



By far the larger number of the Discomycetes are cup-shaped, and 

 are popularly called ** cup-fungi." They vary from plants of very 

 minute size, so small that they can be just seen with the eye, or some 

 of the larger ones are several inches in breadth. They grow on the 

 ground, on leaves, wood, etc. The variety of form and color is great. 

 They may be sessile, that is, the cup rests immediately on the 

 ground or wood, or leaves, or they may possess a short, or rather 

 long stalk. The only species illustrated here has a comparatively 

 long stalk, and the cap is deep cup-shaped, almost like a beaker. 

 This plant is technically known as Sarcoscypha floccosa. It is repre- 



