470 PRACTICAL BOTANY 



III. ASCOMYCETES 



A. DTSCOMYCETES 

 PEZIZA 



For comparison on the one hand with Claviceps (p. 481) 

 and Eurotium (p. 484) as members of the Ascomycetes, 

 and on the other with the Lichens to be described below 

 (p. 473), observations should be made on some species 

 of Peziza. This is a very large genus, and the specific 

 differences are somewhat difficult to master, but any 

 species will serve the present purpose. It has been 

 shown that some species at least have a gonidium- 

 bearing stage, thus the mould known as Botrytis cinerea, 

 which is common on decaying leaves, has been proved 

 to be a stage in the life-history of Peziza FuckelianO; ; 

 but it is with the mature fructification or apothecium 

 that we shall have to deal first. 



The flat or cup-shaped fructifications of Peziza are 

 commonly to be found growing on decaying wood, &c., 

 and vary greatly in size and colouring in different 

 species. Peziza coccinea is a species which is conspicuous 

 in woods in early spring as a carmine coloured cup about 



