300 TEXT-BOOK OF FUNGI 



Most of the known species are European, but their sub- 

 terranean habit may account for our lack of knowledge 

 respecting their distribution. Recently an enthusiastic 

 collector has discovered a considerable number of species 

 in Tasmania. 



Phymatosphaerieae 



A small family considered to be allied to the Tuberaceae 

 from which they differ in aerial habit. The few known 

 genera are mostly extra European. 



DISCOMYCETES 



Analysis of the Families. 



A. Ascophore superficial, fleshy, or waxy. 



Parasitic. Ascophore globose or piriform, almost stem- 

 less, fleshy, and tough, periphery honeycomb-like. On 

 trees. Cyttarieae. 



Ascophore vertical, with a distinct stem, conical, clavate, 

 or subglobose, fleshy or waxy, surface even, with brain-like 

 folds or honeycomb-like. On the ground. Helvelleae. 



Ascophore cup-shaped or discoid, fleshy or waxy, 

 sessile or stalked, disc or hymenium even. Tips of asci 

 not projecting beyond level of hymenium. Parasitic or 

 saprophytic. Pezizeae. 



Ascophore cup-shaped or discoid, fleshy, sessile. Asci 

 projecting above level of hymenium. On dung. 



Ascoboleae. 



B. Erumpent and becoming almost superficial, tough, 

 or gelatinous. 



Ascophore cup-shaped or becoming almost plane, almost 



