490 



HYMENOGASTRACE^E 



Hysterangium 



CXXVI. HYSTERANGIUM Vitt. 

 (From the shape ; Gr. hnstera^ the womb, aggeion^ a vessel.) 



Peridium more or less separating from the gleba in drying. Gleba 

 cartilagineo-glutinous, cavities at first empty. Spores 2-3, seldom 

 more, smooth. (Fig. 143.) 



Characterised by the elongate elliptical smooth spores and the 

 cartilaginous-mucous consistency of the gleba, which resembles 



Fig.'i43. A, B, Hysterangium nephritic-urn Berk., entire and in section. X . 

 c, basidia and spores. X 660. 



that of Ithyphallus and Clathrus in the young state. There is 

 frequently a copious development of mycelium. Species 2106, 2107 



2106. H. nephritieum Berk, (from a fancied resemblance to a 



kidney when seen in section ; Gr. nephros^ the kidneys) a b c. 

 Irregularly globose, more or less indented. Pe. somewhat thick, 



firm, elastic, tomentose, white, becoming pale rufous when 



bruised. Gl. pale blue or grey, here and there greenish, cells 



irregular, minute, radiating from the base. 

 Commonly 8-9 in. deep in the ground. Odour at first slight, then like 



Hypericum, at laj>t like decaying puff-balls. Woods. Sept .-Feb. f in. 



2107. H. Thwaitesii B. & Br. (after George Henry Kendrick 



Thwaites) a b c. 

 Irregularly globose, more or less indented. Pe. membranous, 



slightly silky, white, becoming rufous when bruised. 

 Commonly 8-9 in. deep in the ground. Woods. Aug.-Oct. in. 



