Geaster triplex is a reddish brown color the same as G. rufescens 
with which we think it has been much confused though in reality a very 
different plant. It is not record¬ 
ed from England (to our knowl¬ 
edge^ and w r e think English bot¬ 
anists have mistaken it for ru¬ 
fescens. As the early figures on 
which rufescens is based show 
neither of the characters by which 
that plant is distinguished from 
triplex, it is doubtful if the latter 
plant is not really the original 
rufescens. The two plants were 
confused evidently by all the 
early botanists. The character 
generally given to distinguish 
triplex, viz : — the remains of the 
fleshy layer forming a cup at base 
of inner peridium while usually 
present should be considered in 
the nature of an accidental fea¬ 
ture and not an essential character of the plant. It is however, the 
feature from which the plant derives its name, viz :—triplex, three 
fold, three layers. The distinguishing features by which the plant 
can be known from rufescens are, the acute (not globose^ young form, 
the definite mouth, and shape of the columella (see Figs 40 and 49.) 
Fig:. 47. Geaster triplex. 
20 
Fig. 48. Geaster triplex. 
(Beginning to expand.) 
Fig. 4U. Geaster triplex. 
(Section.) 
