398 



FUNGI 



Great variety of external conformation exists within the group, as the 

 student will at once recognise on viewing such members of it as Phallus 

 (L.), Hymenophallus (Nees ab Esenb.), Clathrus (Mich.), Ileodictyon 

 (Tul.), Aseroe (La Bill.), &c. 



Specimens of Phallus impudicus (L.) while yet enclosed within the 

 peridium exhibit the following structure : The peridium consists of an 

 outer white membrane and an inner white thinner one, and between these 

 two a thick layer of tissue which has become gelatinous. Immediately 

 within the inner membrane lies the glebe, situated in the upper capitate 

 portion, and bounded on its inner surface by a conical membrane 



Fig. 329. — Mutintis caninus Fr. Young spoiophore. 

 in, mycele ; stages of development in onier of letters 

 u—y. y, a specimen with ripe spores, but before elonga- 

 tion of stalk, a, the outer wall ; 2, the inner ; g^ gela- 

 tinous layer of peridium ; b, the basal portion ; k, the 

 cone ; s, the stalk ; gb, the glebe (natural size), (After 

 de Bary.) 



Fig. 330. — A nearly mature specimen of 

 Phallus impudicus L. before elonga- 

 tion of stalk, in longitudinal section, 

 wr, mycele ; «, outer, i, inner wall ; g, 

 gelatinous layer ; st, stalk ; h, its 

 cavity filled with mucilage ; /, lov^er 

 margin of pileus ; sp, glebe ; «, the 

 cup-shaped basal portion ; x, the spot 

 where the peridium bursts (two- 

 thirds natural size). (After Sachs.) 



belonging to the central axis. This membrane gives off outwards into 

 the glebe numerous walls arranged honeycomb fashion and dividing 

 the glebe into compartments. The structure of the glebe itself recalls 

 that of the Hymenogastrese and Lycoperdacese. Below the glebe, and 

 surrounding the base of the central axis, is a cup-shaped mass of com- 

 paratively firm tissue, in which the base of the stalk is fixed. It 

 connects with the lower portion of the inner peridium, and sends a thin 

 projection of tissue of less consistency upwards between the conical mem- 

 brane and the stalk. The base rests on the outer layer of the peridium. 

 The stalk itself is hollow at maturity, and is composed of air-containing 



