HEMIBASIDIOMYCETES 325 



Basidiomycetes, where the basidium is not cut up by 

 septa, but one-celled, and bearing spores at its apex, is 

 considered by Brefeld as having originated from this 

 second type. 



Representatives of the group are widely distributed, 

 being met with practically everywhere where suitable host- 

 plants grow. In many instances a perennial mycelium is 

 present in the root or stem of the host-plant. 



Auricularieae 



Gelatinous, becoming rigid when dry. Hymenium 

 distinctly inferior, vaguely costate or plicate. Upper 

 sterile surface strigose or minutely downy. The habit is that 

 of certain species of Stereunt. Differs from Tremellaceae 

 in the transversely septate basidia. 



Hirneola polytricha^ a species widely distributed in the 

 tropics and southern hemisphere, is much esteemed as an 

 article of food by the Chinese. The British species, 

 Hirneola auricula-judae, is a typical representative of the 

 group. 



Widely distributed. 



Sirobasidieae 



Forming minute gelatinous masses completely sur- 

 rounded by the hymenium. The principal feature consists 

 in the basidia being produced in chains, the terminal 

 basidium being the oldest. Each basidium, or interstitial 

 swollen portion, is divided by septa into two or four cells : 

 each cell bears a single spore. Occupying an intermediate 

 position between Pilacraceae and Tremellaceae. 



Only three species known. All from S. America. 



