Helvellaceae 



Morcheiia. H. I. Miller, orchards, thin woods; New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West 

 Virginia, Mcllvaine. 



The conical form distinguishes M. conica from M. esculenta, if they 

 are really different species, as some writers doubt. For the table there 

 is not any difference. 



M. bi'spora Sor. Two-spored. The Two-spored morell is very simi- 

 lar to the Half-free morell in external appearance. It is distinguishable 

 by its cap, which is free from the stem almost or quite to the top. The 

 stem of the European plant has been described as stuffed, but in our 

 plant it is hollow, though possibly in very young plants it may be 

 stuffed. The remarkable and very distinctive character which gives 

 name to the species can only be seen by the aid of a microscope. In 

 this species there are only two spores in each ascus or sack and these 

 are much larger than the spores of the other species. They are two or 

 three times longer and sometimes slightly curved. The spores of the 

 other species are eight in an ascus and are very much alike in size and 

 shape, and do not furnish decided specific characters ; but in this species 

 their importance can not be overlooked. Their length is about 6o/*, 

 while in the others it is 20-25/4. 



This is probably our rarest species. I am not aware that it has been 

 found in but one locality in our state. A few years ago Mr. H. A. 

 Warne detected it growing among fallen leaves in a ravine near Oneida. 

 I have not tested its edible qualities, but would have no hesitation in 

 eating it if opportunity should be afforded. Peck, 48th Rep. N. Y. 

 State Bot. 



Var. trunca'ta. Pileus broadly rounded or truncate, its costae slightly 

 prominent, the margin often a little recurved; paraphyses numerous. 

 Stem long. 



Michigan. May. Hicks. Peck, 46th Rep. N. Y. State Bot. 



M. angus'ticeps Pk. angustus, narrow ; caput, head. Pileus oblong- 

 conical and subobtuse or narrowly conical and acute, adnate to the stem, 

 1-2 in. high, and about half as broad at the base, ribs longitudinal, 

 here and there anastomosing or connected by transverse veins. Stem 

 subequal, hollow, whitish, furfuraceous without and within, even or 

 rarely rough with irregular longitudinal furrows ; asci cylindrical. Spores 

 elliptical, whitish tinged with ocher, 2025x12.5-18/4; paraphyses 

 short, clavate, with one or two septa near the base. 



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