4-8o BRITISH FUNGI 



notes on the genera 

 Ithyphallus 

 This genus, known for a long time under the name of Phallus, 

 is distinguished by the pileus or cap being free at the sides, from its 

 supporting stem, from the top of which it is suspended hke a loosely 

 fitting thimble on a finger. The stem has an opening or perforation 

 at the apex. 



MUTINUS 



This genus was also at one time included in the old, comprehen- 

 sive genus Phallus. It is at once distinguished from Ithxphallus 

 by the cap or pileus being firmly attached to the supporting stem 

 throughout its entire length. There is no perforation at the apex 

 of the stem. 



Lysurus 



Volva and stem as in Ithyphallus, but the pileus consists of 

 about five elliptical, wrinkled lobes at the apex of the stem, which 

 spread out more or less at maturity and bear the viscid spore-mass 

 on their inner surface. A genus belonging to the southern hemi- 

 sphere, introduced with grain, etc. It has not become established 

 here. 



ASERCE 



A very beautiful genus belonging to the tropical and subtropical 

 parts of the world. It sometimes appears in hot-houses, having 

 been introduced with exotic plants brought in Wardian cases, etc. 

 There is, as usual, a large volva and an erect stem, from the top 

 of which spread out 4-6 lobes, each narrowing to a point. The 

 mucus containing the spores is produced on the upper surface of 

 the spreading rays or lobes. 



The plant almost exactly resembles in general appearance a 

 stalked sea-anemone with its rays extended. 



Ithyphallus 



Universal volva egg-shaped, with a long white root before ex- 

 pansion ; after its rupture by the growth of the receptacle it re 

 mains as a volva composed of three layers, the central one being 

 gelatinous ; receptacle elongated, cellular, hollow, perforated at 

 the apex, which is covered by the thimble-like, reticulate pileus. 



Distinguished by the thimble-like pileus being free from the 

 stem except at the apex. 



/. impudiciis (PI. XXXVI, fig. i) (stinkhorn). — Volva before 

 expansion egg-shaped, white, springy and elastic when pressed ; 

 receptacle or stalk cylindric-fusiform, white, pitted, hollow, 5-8 in. 

 high, covered at the apex by the pileus, which is covered externally 

 by an irregular network of raised ribs ; this is covered by an evil- 

 smelling, olive-green gluten containing the spores. 



