definite, fibrillose, frequently torn. (*) Columella large, thick, glo¬ 
bose, permanent. Threads thicker than spores. Spores globose, 
roughened, varying from thr:e to six me. 
Fig. 40. Geaster rufescens (section). Fig. 41 Geaster rufescens (unexpanded plant.) 
This is the large reddish plant, the most frequent species we 
have in this country. It is sometimes sessile but usually has a short 
thick peduncle. The plant from the days of Persoon has been placed 
in the ‘ 'sessile” section of the genus, hence when Morgan, met the 
peduncled form he naturally referred it to limbatus. Rufescens is a 
reddish brown plant, limbatus is a black plant, otherwise they are very 
close, though limbatus has usually a longer peduncle and a different 
shaped inner peridium. Schaeffer’s old figure of the plant shows a 
regularly toothed mouth and Fries no doubt basing his description 
largely on this figure, described it as having a toothed mouth. The 
mouth is often torn but no more frequently than any other species, 
and the idea that this species can be distinguished by its “dentate 
' peristome” is entirely erroneous, and should be dropped from descrip¬ 
tions. 
Specimens in our Collection. 
Ohio, A. P. Morgan, (labeled limbatus), David b. James, Tom Bell, H. b. 
True, E. J. Arrick, Tom bloyd, C. G. bloyd. New York, Ida M. Hays. Kentucky, 
Sister Marie. Canada, John Dearness, (spec, tending toward limbatus.) 
Sweden, b. Rotnell. England, Carleton Rea. Hungary, Dr. b. Hollos. 
Tirol, Rev. G. Bresadola. 
Explanation of Figures. 
Fig. 38. Specimens from A. P. Morgan, Ohio. Fig. 39. Specimens from 
David b. James, Ohio. Fig. 40. Section, showing large columella. Fig. 41. Un¬ 
expanded plant, specimen from Dr. H. b. True, Ohio. 
12—GEASTER LIMBATUS. 
Outer peridium recurved, cut to about the middle to eight to 
twelve segments. Mycelial layer usually adnate with its adhering 
dirt, often partially separate, and sometimes entirely peeled off. Fleshy 
layer drying firm, hard, and closelv adnate. Inner peridium some- 
Hence often inaccurately described as “toothed.” 
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