230 



REPRODUCTION OF THE PEZIZALES 



tive organs are formed that are very suggestive of those of the 

 red algae. The female gametangium in the simpler forms has 

 an enlarged basal region with a long tubular outgrowth sug- 

 gestive of Nemalion (Fig. 140). In the majority of forms this 

 organ consists of several cells and often becomes coiled and 

 greatly extended. The male gametangium is a somewhat 

 enlarged hypha. These organs are developed here and there on 

 the mycelium or several may be associated in a compact group. 



Fig. 140. Sexual reproduction of one of the cup fungi, Pyronema: A, 

 the flask-shaped female gametangium, 0, is seen in various stages of fusion 

 with the male gametangium, an. This is effected by the curvature of the tu- 

 bular outgrowth. B, the gametospores, g, germinating and forming branching 

 hyphae which bear the asci, as. These asci are associated with hyphae or 

 paraphyses, p, that arise from the mycelium. The asci and paraphyses 

 constitute the hymenium. — After Harper. 



Singularly the union between these two sex organs is effected 

 by the female — its tubular part curves towards the male game- 

 tangium and effects a fusion with it. As to whether the male 

 gametes pass over and unite with the females as a result of the 

 fusion of the gametangia no general statement can be made 

 at present, though in some forms there is evidence to indicate 

 that such in the case. The basal portion of the female game- 

 tangium, or one of its cells in cases where the gametangium con- 

 sists of several cells, behaves as though fertilization had been 



