MEDUSOMYCES GISEVII 



343 



Genus IV. Medusomyces. Lindau 



Mycodermic yeasts with a thick gelatinous stratified scum, resem- 

 bling somewhat a medusa. 



MEDUSOMYCES GISEVII. Lindau 



This yeast was secured from Doctor Gisevii l from the region of 

 Courland where it is used as a household remedy. It was carefully 

 studied by Lindau. It is easily cultivated and macroscopically forms 

 a peculiar covering on liquid media. Lindau found tea infusion the 

 best liquid medium on which to propagate it. This covering does 



Fig. 146-E.. Medusomyces Gisevii. 



1. Yeast cells; 2. Scum developing in a Culture Flask. 



not have the appearance of ordinary scums but is made up of an elastic 

 tenacious mass. The liquid soon assumes an aromatic, fruity odor. 

 In older cultures the covering becomes a brownish yellow color. 

 Microscopic examination of this covering shows the presence of nu- 

 merous round or elliptical cells. The length varies between 5. 5-8.5 ju, 



1 Lindau, G. Ueber Medusomyces Gisevii, eine neue Gattung und Art der 

 Hefepilze. Berichte deutsch. Bot. Ges. 31 (1913), 243-248. 



