PYRENOMYCETES 



299 



or raised ridges anastomosing to form a network. In the 

 genus Elaphomyces the spores form a black, powdery mass 

 at maturity. Many species, as the common truffle, are 



FIG. 78. Lophodermium pinastri, a fungus para- 

 sitic on pine leaves, i, pine leaves with the fungus 

 forming minute, elongated black spots ; 2, ascigerous 

 form of the fungus ; 3, spe,rmogonium of the fungus ; 

 4, ascus containing eight spores, two paraphyses 

 are also present ; 5, a single needle-shaped, multi- 

 septate spore. Fig. i, nat. size ; remainder mag. 



strongly scented. This provision enables rodents to detect 

 their presence, when they are unearthed and greedily eaten ; 

 by this arrangement the spores are dispersed. 



Some species are edible, and considered as luxuries. 

 None are known to be poisonous. 



