382 TEXT-BOOK OF FUNGI 



When in a young condition the hymenium, as usual, is 

 enclosed in a whitish, soft peridium, and the first period 

 of growth takes place underground. When the spores are 

 formed the hymenial portion of the fungus ruptures the 

 peridium, and becomes elevated into the air on a long 

 stem. The ruptured peridium, with its thick, gelatinous, 



FIG. 120. Hymenium of Phallus impudicus partly 

 covered with olive-green mucus, in which the very 

 minute spores are embedded. Several flies are present 

 devouring the mucus. Nat. size. 



middle layer, remains as a sheath round the base of the 

 stem, and is then called a volva. The sporophore assumes 

 some very quaint forms in the various genera. In Phallus 

 it resembles a thimble poised on the top of a long stem. 

 In Clathrus it takes the form of a hollow sphere formed 

 of irregular lattice-work, whereas in Aseroe it consists of 

 several spreading rays resembling a starfish. 



