A.Æthalia irregularly globose.a.Cortex minutely roughened or warted; about 12 mm. in diameter1.L. epidendrumb.Cortex smooth, size large2.L. flavo‑fuscumc.Cortex rough; diameter 6 mm. or less3.L. exiguumB.Æthalia conical4.L. conicum
1.Lycogala epidendrum(Buxb.)Fries.
Æthalia solitary or clustered, depressed spherical, or, when crowded, irregular, olivaceous or blackish, minutely warted, 3–10 mm. in diameter, dehiscing irregularly, but more often near the apex; peridium thin, but tough and persistent, made up of numerous agglutinated tubules enclosing in their mashes peculiar cell-like vesicles; capillitium parietal, consisting of long, branching, and anastomosingflattened tubules extended inwardly among the spores, everywhere marked by transverse wrinkles, ridges, and warts, the free ends of the ultimate branchlets rounded, concolorous with the spores; spore-mass, when fresh, rosy, or ashen with a rosaceous or purplish tinge, becoming with age sordid or ochraceous, spores by transmitted light colorless, minutely roughened or reticulate, 5–6 µ.
This is not only a cosmopolitan species, but is no doubt, the most common slime-mould in the world. Found everywhere on decaying wood of all sorts, more particularly on that of deciduous trees. It has likewise been long the subject of observation. It is doubtless the "Fungus coccineus" of Ray, 1690, and the type of Micheli's genus as here, 1729. The different colors assumed, from the rich scarlet of the emerging plasmodium to the glistening bronze of the newly formed æthalium, have suggested various descriptive names,—asL. miniataPers.,L. chalybeumof Batsch, andL. plumbeaSchum. The peridium is by authors described as double. This is for description only. In structure the outer and inner peridium completely blend. The outer is predominately vesiculose, the inner more gelatinous. For discussion of the microscopic structure see under the next species.
Common. New England, west to Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California; Alberta to Nicaragua.
Lycogala terrestreFr.,Syst. Myc., III., 83, appears to be a variety of the present species. In spores and capillitial thread the forms are indistinguishable; the difference is a matter of size, and to some extent, of the color of the wall. The specimens are a little larger, depressed and angular. The peridium is paler, smoother, though sometimes almost black, thin, ruptured irregularly. But the form and color of the peridium in the sporocarps of the older species vary much in response to external conditions; on a substratum affording scant nutrition the forms of fructification are minute; and in all cases, if maturity be hastened, the peridium responds in darker colors. Under more favorable conditions the wall is smoother and brighter.
2.Lycogala flavo-fuscum(Ehr.)Rost.
Æthalia solitary or sometimes two or three together, large 2–4 cm. in diameter, spherical or spheroidal, purplish-gray or brown, smooth, shining; the peridium thick, simple but in microscopic section showing two or three successive layers; capillitium of abundantly branching, irregular, transparent tubules, marked by numberless warts and transverse rings or wrinkles, spores in mass yellowish gray, by transmitted light, colorless, smooth or only faintly reticulate or roughened, 5–6 µ.
This, one of the largest and most striking of the slime-moulds, is by students generally mistaken for a puff-ball. It occurs on stumps and rotten logs of various sorts in the Mississippi valley, more often affecting stumps ofAcer saccharinumL. The fructification, when solitary, about the size of a walnut, though sometimes larger; when clustered, the individuals are smaller. The form depends largely upon the place in which the fruit is formed. The plasmodic mass is so large that its form is determined by gravity. Thus on the lower surface of a log raised a little distance from the earth the æthalium is often pyriform. This fact did not escape Micheli. SeeNov. Plant. Gen., Tab. 95. The plasmodium is pale pink, soon becomes buff when exposed in fruiting, finally pallid or somewhat livid, and is outwardly changed into the stout, tough peridium. This consists of an intricate network of irregular gelatinous tubules enclosing within the meshes protoplasmic masses of pretty uniform size, 60–100 µ. Outwardly the protoplasmic vesicles predominate; inwardly the gelatinous tubules, which are, in some instances at least, continued toward the centre of fructification to form the capillitium. The protoplasmic masses referred to respond to ordinary stains, are often broken into numberless small cells corresponding in size and appearance to ordinary spores.
Not common. New England, Ohio, Iowa. Perhaps more abundant in the Mississippi valley; Canada.
3.Lycogala exiguumMorg.
Æthalia small, 2–5 mm. in diameter, gregarious, globose, dark brown or black, sessile, minutely scaly, irregularly dehiscent; theperidium thin, the vesicles comparatively few, in irregular patches which are more or less confluent; capillitium as in preceding species, the tubules slender and branching; spore-mass pale, ochraceous, spores by transmitted light colorless, almost smooth, 5–6 µ.
Found in the same situations as No. 1, and at the same season. Recognizable by itsgregarioushabit, not crowded nor superimposed, small size, and dusky color. The little spheres occur a dozen or more in a place, dark lead-colored, shading to black, opening rather regularly at the top. It looks like a depauperateL. epidendrum, but seems to be constantly collected.
Our specimens are from Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, Canada.
4.Lycogala conicumPers.
Æthalia scattered, sometimes two or three together, small 2–4 mm. high, conical, sessile, pallid, grayish brown, marked by obscure black reticulations, opening regularly at the somewhat acuminate tip; peridium thin in structure, as inL. epidendrum, but more delicate; capillitium made up of abundant, slender, uniform threads almost smooth, simple, the free ends obtuse, taking origin in the cortex much as in the preceding species; spores in mass ochraceous, by transmitted light colorless, minutely warted or faintly reticulate, about 5 µ.
A very distinct and rare little species. Well described by Persoon, who also appears to have observed the plasmodium "primo rubra." The color of the mature form varies with age; at first somewhat purplish. Dr. Rex collected it in Pennsylvania; Mr. Morgan has it from Ohio; our specimens are from southeastern Missouri.
Order V
TRICHIALES
Fructification sporangial, rarely plasmodiocarpous, the sporangia stalked or sessile, gregarious or closely crowded, limeless throughout; the capillitium of definite threads, free or attached to the sporangial wall, isolated or combined into a net; spores generally some shade of yellow, never purple or black.
The distinguishing feature in this order is found in the peculiar sculpture of the capillitial threads. This is suggested by the tubules ofLycogala, though probably the resemblance is superficial only. The individual threads, as inTrichia, are called elaters, from their probable efficiency in spore-dispersal.
As here limited, the order is coextensive with theCalonemeaeof Rostafinski, except that that includes in addition the generaPrototrichiaandDianema. The course of differentiation may be assumed to start withDianema, through thePerichaenaceaeto theArcyriaceaeand again from the same starting-point throughPrototrichiato theTrichiaceae.
Key to the Families of the Trichiales
A.Capillitial threads transverse to the sporangial cavity, attached usually at each end, plain or only slightly roughenedDianemaceaeB.Capillitium plain, papillose, or spinulose, often scanty, not netted, the threads sometimes attached by one end to the sporangium wallPerichaenaceaeC.Capillitium a distinct net, usually attached below to the sporangial wall; sculpture various, not continuous spiral bandsArcyriaceaeD.Capillitial threads transverse, fascicled, attached at both ends, but sculptured by well defined spiral bandsPrototrichiaceaeE.Capillitial threads typically free, sometimes more or less branched, forming a loose net attached below, characterized by definite spiral bands, or sometimes by scattered ringsTrichiaceae
A.DIANEMACEÆ
Key to the Genera of the Dianemaceæ
A.Capillitial threads attached at one end, or free1.MargaritaB.Capillitial threads attached at each end2.Dianema
1. MargaritaList.
Sporangia sessile, the capillitium simple, hair-like, coiled.
1.Margarita metallica(Berk. & Br.)List.
Plate XVII.,Figs. 1, 1a, 1b.
Sporangia scattered or clustered, globose, or somewhat plasmodiocarpous, .5–1 mm., sessile, coppery iridescent, the peridium thin, openingabove irregularly; capillitium of long flexuous, coiling, simple or little dividing threads, nearly smooth, with infrequent attachments to the peridial wall; spores in mass yellowish, transparent under the lens, delicately verruculose, 10–12 µ.
One of the handsomer species of the present group. So far a Pacific coast form. California, Oregon, Washington; reported from Chile.
DianemaRex
Sporangia simple or plasmodiocarpous; capillitium composed of threads without characteristic thickenings running entirely across the sporangium attached both to the base and to the opposite wall, not joined to form a network.
Key to Species of Dianema
A.Sporangia distinct, iridescent1.D. harveyiB.Fructification more or less plasmodiocarpous, dull brown2.D. corticatumC.Sporangia, some of them stipitate3.D. andersoni
1.Dianema harveyiRex.
Plate XVI., Figs. 5 and 5b.
Sporangia gregarious, generally rounded or cushion-shaped, depressed, sessile, iridescent bronze, 1 mm. in diameter; peridium thin, translucent, opening irregularly; capillitium of simple threads, not netted, but often forked two or three times, taut, running from base to top; spores yellow, by transmitted light pale yellowish, minutely roughened, 8–10 µ.
This interesting species was collected in Orono, Maine, in 1889, by Professor F. L. Harvey, and so far as can be learned has not been taken since. Mr. Lister records two species from England which he refers to this genus. As to its systematic place, Dr. Rex says,l. c."It stands as a single representative of a new and separate family adjoining thePerichaenacaein the orderCalonemeaeof Rostafinski."
Rare. Maine.
2.Dianema corticatumList.
Plate XVI., Figs. 5a, 5c.
"Plasmodium pink"; sporangia sometimes flat-hemispheric, more often ill-defined, united in irregular, depressed, netted plasmodiocarps, generally dull brown; peridium opaque, didermatous, capillitium of simple or rarely branching filaments, variously beaded or marked with spiral bands, lightly attached at either end, occasionally twisted together; spore-mass dull brown, the spores in clusters of four or more, colorless by transmitted light, more or less verruculose, ellipsoidal, about 8–10 µ.
Our specimens are from the mountains of Alberta.
A curious, flat plasmodiocarp, an inch or more in length. It suggestsHemitrichia serpulaprematurely dry.
3.Dianema andersoni,Morg.
Sporangium globose, sessile or sub-stipitate, seated on a thin brownish hypothallus; the wall a thin smooth pinkish membrane, when dry rugulose and iridescent, the inner surface somewhat thickened below and brownish at the base. Capillitium arising out of the thickened base, the threads hyaline or pinkish, ascending, flexuous, simple, or branched a time or two, the extremities attached on all sides to the wall of the sporangium. Spores globose, very minutely warted, pale, pinkish, 10–11 µ, in diameter, free.
Growing on old wood and bark ofAlnus; British Columbia,W. B. Anderson.
Sporangium spherical, 6–8 mm. in diameter, sessile or on a very short stipe. This species differs from D. harveyi Rex in theuniform pinkishcolor of the wall and of the spores; the dividing threads are furnished remotely with minute roundish tubercles as inDidymium; the spores are somewhat larger than inD. harveyi.
B.PERICHÆNACEÆ
Key to the Genera of the Perichænaceæ
A.Sporangia more or less plasmodiocarpous in type, terete; dehiscence irregular1.OphiothecaB.Sporangia more or less polygonal in outline, or round, depressed; dehiscence circumscissile2.Perichæna
1. OphiothecaCurrey.
Fructification generally plasmodiocarpous, terete, bent or flexuous, often annular or cornuate, rarely globose, opening irregularly, peridium thin, not polished, covered more or less strongly with a distinct layer of scales or granules; capillitium of slender, loosely branching filaments, the surface rough to strongly spinulose; spores yellow.
As a generic nameOphiothecaplainly has priority.Cornuviaas understood by Rostafinski has no representative so far in our region.
Key to the Species of Ophiotheca
A.Plasmodiocarp usually upon herbaceous stems, slender1.O. vermicularisB.Plasmodiocarp on rotting bark, logs, etc,a.Pale brownish or yellowish2.O. chrysospermab.Chestnut brown or blackish3.O. wrightii
1.Ophiotheca vermicularis(Schw.)Macbr.
Plasmodiocarp very slender, terete, elongate, flexuous or reticulate, annular, etc., of dull gray or neutral tint; the peridium thin, translucent, but with a delicate granular outer coating; capillitium of slender threads, frequently branched, warted and usually minutely spinulose; spore-mass ochraceous yellow; spores by transmitted light pale yellow, minutely roughened, 10 µ.
Perhaps common, but seldom collected, probably overlooked on account of protective coloration; the color is about that of the habitat, the weathered surface of dead herbaceous stems and roots. On dead corn stalks not infrequent. Differs from other species of the genus in having smoother capillitium, for which reason Rostafinski calls the present speciesPerichaena vermicularis.O. pallidaBerk. & C. seems to us to be the same thing,N. A. F., 726.
New England, New Jersey, South Carolina, Ontario, Ohio, Iowa.
2.OphiothecachrysospermaCurrey.
Plasmodiocarp elongate, bent and curved in various ways, spherical, more rarely annular or even reticulate, yellowish or ochraceous brown, opening irregularly; peridium thin, with yellowish outer layer; capillitium rather abundant, of threads slender, sparingly branched and minutely but distinctly spinulose; spore-mass yellow, spores by transmitted light pale, almost smooth, about 8 µ.
Occurs on the inner bark of deciduous trees, especially of oak. Not common.
This is possiblyCornuvia circumscissa(Wallr.) of Rostafinski's monograph; but it is doubtful to what Wallroth referred. Rostafinski's other citations are equally uncertain. Currey's figures and description alone merit recognition.
Ohio, Iowa, Tennessee; Canada.
3.Ophiotheca wrightiiBerk.
Plate II., Figs. 7, 7a, 7b.
Plasmodiocarp bent or short-flexuous, often arcuate or completely annular, dark chestnut brown or black, opening irregularly; peridium thin, brittle, translucent, covered without by a rather dense layer of brownish or black brown scales; capillitium of long, sparingly branched threads furnished with projecting spinules remarkable for their length, about twice the diameter of the thread; spores yellow, minutely but distinctly warted, about 12 µ.
This is the common species everywhere on the inner side of the bark of fallen trees,Ulmus, etc. It is readily distinguished at sight by the peculiar annular, looped, and U-shaped plasmodiocarps, with their dark umbrine or blackened surface. From the preceding itis especially distinguished by the spinulose capillitium and larger spores.
Not rare. New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio.
2. PerichænaFries
Sporangia flattened, sometimes small and roundish, more often larger, polygonal by mutual interference, or irregular, the peridium thickened outwardly by a dense reddish or brownish layer of scales; dehiscing by circumscission or by a lid; capillitium often scant, of slender, warted, yellowish threads, attached betimes to the upper wall; spores yellow, oval or spherical.
Key to the Species of Perichæna
A.Sporangia plainly flattened.a.Very flat, sporangia 1mm. or more in width1.P. depressab.Depressed; sporangia smaller2.P. quadrataB.Sporangia more or less sphericala.Chestnut brown3.P. corticalisb.Gray or canescent4.P. marginata
1.Perichaena depressaLibert.
Plate XVII., Fig. 10.
Sporangia sessile, applanate, crowded, polygonal by mutual contact, fuscous or chestnut brown, shining, opening by a definite lid; spore-mass and capillitium yellow, the capillitium well developed, of slender yellow threads of various widths, almost smooth; spores minutely warted, 10–12 µ.
Easily recognized by the peculiar, polygonal, depressed-flattened sporangia and consequent shallow spore-cases in which lie the yellow spores and scanty capillitium. Rostafinski refers hereP. vaporariaSchw., No. 2311, but the meagre description seems rather to apply to the next species. The original material is no longer accessible.
In the crevices and on the inside of bark of fallen logs of various sorts, walnut, maple, etc.
Not commonly collected. Specimens are before us from NewEngland, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Florida, Mexico, Nicaragua. Probably over the whole wooded region of the continent.
2.Perichaena quadrataMacbr.
Sporangia very small, less than ½ mm., crowded, polygonal or quadrangular, depressed, but not flattened, smooth, bright rufous or brown; the peridium rather thick, yellow within, the dehiscence circumscissile; capillitium scanty, of slender, sparingly branched filaments, the surface minutely roughened, warted or spinulose; spore-mass yellow; by transmitted light pale yellow, 9–11 µ.
Differs from the preceding by the much smaller size of the sporangia, different color and habit. The sporangia, while depressed, still maintain considerable rotundity; they are occasionally quite spherical, and then of very uneven size, hardly in contact. In some cases the plasmodium before maturing seems to assume the form of a plasmodiocarp, which, by transverse fission at intervals, forms the curious four-sided conceptacles. At other times the plasmodium assumes the shape of a flat cushion or plate, which then subdivides into minute polygonal segments. This form has been known some years to collectors, and, if named at all, has been calledP. irregularis. Lister,l. c., assures us that Berkeley's type "is typicalP. depressa."
Not common. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri.
3.Perichaena corticalis(Batsch)Rost.
Plate II., Figs. 1, 1a, 1b.
Sporangia sessile, gregarious, flattened, hemispherical; peridia simple, opening by a lid; dehiscence circumscissile, the upper part chestnut brown, the lower almost black; capillitium feebly developed, smooth, attached to the lid and usually coming away with it, bringing the brilliantly yellow spore-mass, and leaving a delicate, shining cupule adherent to the substratum; spores yellow, nearly smooth, 10–12 µ. On and under the bark of dead elms of various species.
A very handsome little species occuring rarely with us, or perhaps overlooked by virtue of its protective coloration. Found sometimes on the inner side of the bark where the latter has separated, but not yet wholly parted company with the wood. In such situations the tiny sporangia are so nearly quite the color of the moist substratum as to escape all but the closest scrutiny. The dehiscence is very remarkable, characteristic, beautiful. Black, brown, chestnut, and gold are harmoniously blended, in the opening coffers. Prior to maturity the future line of fission is plainly indicated by the difference in color.
This is clearly the species found by Batsch "ligni demortui putridi in interiore corticis pagina." Bulliard has also described and figured the species,Sphaerocarpus sessilist. 417, Fig. V.
The capillitium is nearly smooth; the spores are only slightly roughened by minute warts.
Apparently not common. Iowa, Missouri; Black Hills, South Dakota; Canada;—Miss Currie.
4.Perichaena marginataSchweinitz.
Sporangia depressed, globose, polygonal as they become approximate or crowded, hoary canescent, sessile; peridium rather thick, persistent, circumscissile in dehiscence, covered without by minute whitish calcareous (?) scales, within punctate by the imprint of the spores; hypothallus distinct, white; capillitium scant or none! Spores in mass dull yellow, by transmitted light pale, nearly smooth, 14–15 µ.
Lister, following Rostafinski, includes this form with the preceding. The differences between the two forms are, it seems to us, sufficient to make convenient their separation as by Schweinitz. Apart from the peculiar incrustation in the present species, the larger spores, and especially the peculiar white hypothallus, are distinctive. The method of dehiscence is also different. InP. corticalisthe line of cleavage before spore dispersal is indicated by a definite band surrounding the sporangium. Nothing similar appears in the gray specimens of the present form, although the dehiscence is quite as certainly circumscissile. The habitat in American specimens is theoutersurface of the bark, which causes the species generally, by protective coloration, to be overlooked.
Not common. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri.
C.ARCYRIACEÆ
Key to the Genera of the Arcyriaceæ
A.Peridium becoming fragmentary, but persisting; capillitium non-elastic1.LachnobolusB.Peridium evanescent above, persistent below; capillitium elastic2.ArcyriaC.Capillitium elastic, bearing hamate branches3.Heterotrichia
1. LachnobolusFries.
Sporangia distinct, sessile or nearly so, globose or cylindric, often distorted, scattered or densely crowded, the peridium extremely thin, ruptured irregularly, and persistent in fragments; capillitium attached at numerous points to the sporangial wall, forming a dense net, the threads warted or spinulose, non-elastic.
Species of this genus are easily distinguished from those of the next by the peculiar fragile peridium and the inelastic capillitium.
Key to the Species of Lachnobolus
A.Sporangia pale yellow, on fallen flowers and fruit-burs of Castanea1.L. globosusB.Sporangia rosy or copper-colored, at length ochraceous2.L. occidentalis
1.Lachnobolus globosus(Schw.)Rost.
Sporangia on the spines of fallen chestnut burs, scattered, pale yellow or whitish, small, globose, the peridium early evanescent above, more persistent below, stipitate; stipe small, tapering upward, from a small hypothallus; capillitium a dense but not expanding network attached chiefly to the lower portion of the sporangial wall, minutelywaited or roughened, with few expansions or inflations; spores in mass pale yellow, under the lens colorless, almost smooth, 7–8 µ.
This singular little species is remarkable chiefly in the habitat it affects,—fallen chestnut burs. On these almost universal, but on nothing else, except on the fallen catkins of the same species. Regarded by Mr. Lister asA. cinerea, from which it differs constantly in form, in capillitium more open and with larger threads, 4–5 µ in diameter as well as in its unique habitat, and yellowish color.
Distribution coterminous with that ofCastanea dentataBorkhausen,—eastern half of the United States.
2.Lachnobolus occidentalisMacbr.
Plate II., Figs. 2, 2a, 2b; 4 and 4a.
Sporangia scattered or crowded upon a hypothallus more or less distinct, globose or ellipsoidal, short-stipitate, varying somewhat in color, at first rosy or flesh-colored, later brownish or ochraceous; the peridium exceedingly thin, pellucid, mealy, evanescent above, persisting as a shallow cup below; capillitium inelastic, rather closely netted of threads variable in thickness, marked by frequent thickenings or expansions, everywhere warted, attached to the peridial walls, spores in mass flesh-colored, under the lens colorless, smooth, globose, 7.5–9 µ.
This delicate and elegant little species appears to be not uncommon, but is probably generally passed over as anArcyria, which it superficially resembles. When newly formed, the sporangia have a peculiar rosy or flesh-colored metallic tint, which is all their own. Within a short time this color passes, and most of the material comes from the field brownish or ochraceous in color. Typical sporangia are spherical on distinct short stipes; when crowded, the shape is of course less definite. The capillitium never expands as inArcyria, but, exposed by the vanishing upper wall, remains a spherical mass resting upon the shallow cup-like base of the peridium.
This species has been in the United States generally distributed asL. incarnatus(Alb. & Schw.) Schroet. A careful study of all descriptionsof European forms and comparison of many specimens leads us to believe that we have here to do with a type presenting constant peculiarities. We have in America nothing to correspond with the figures of Schweinitz, Berkeley, or Lister. In the American gatherings the sporangia are uniformly regular, globose, very generally short-stipitate, more or less closely gregarious, never superimposed, or heaped as shown in Berkeley's figure, for instance,Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., IV., xvii., Pl. ix., Fig. 2. The plasmodium of our species is white; as it approaches maturity a rosy metallic tinge supervenes, quickly changing to dull yellow or alutaceous. The graphic description given by Fries ofPerichaena incarnata,Syst. Myc., III., p. 193, presents scarcely a character attributable to the form before us.L. congestaBerk. & Br., evidently the form figured and described by Lister,Mycetozoa, p. 194, Pl. lxx., B., resembles our species in color and capillitium, but is entirely different in habit.
Not uncommon. Maine, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska.
2. Arcyria(Hill)Pers.
Sporangia ovoid or cylindric or even globose, stipitate; the peridium thin, evanescent to near the base, the lower part persisting as a calyculus; the stipe variable, packed with free cell-like vesicles, resembling spores, but larger; capillitium attached below, to the interior of the stipe or to the calyculus, in form an elastic network, the tubules adorned with warts, spinules, half-rings, etc., but without spiral bands or free extremities.
Micheli, of course, discovered the arcyrias, put them in two genera and several species, which we may only dimly recognize. Persoon first saw distinctly the outlines of the genus as now understood and adopted the name given by Hill in his curiously prolix description of certain species, probably partly of the genusArcyria, partlyStemonitis.
Key to the Species of Arcyria
A.Mature capillitium loosely adhering to the calyculus.a.Mature capillitium far-expanded, drooping.i. Dusky.O Long, 12 mm. or more1.A. magnaOO Shorter, about 6 mm.2.A. oerstedtiiii. Yellow3.A. nutansb.Mature capillitium short, not drooping, though sometimes procumbent.i. Capillitium greenish yellow4.A. versicolorii. Capillitium reddish, flesh-colored, at length sordid, etc.O Capillitium marked by transverse half-rings, cogs, etc.5.A. incarnataOO Capillitium marked by sharp-edged transverse plates and by numerous nodes6.A. nodulosaOOO Capillitium marked by close reticulations7.A. ferrugineaB.Capillitium persistently attached to the calyculus.a.Sporangia reddish brown, etc.8.A. denudatab.Sporangia gray or asheni. Simple9.A. cinereaii. Clustered10.A. digitatac.Sporangia yellow11.A. pomiformisd.Sporangia rose-colored, .5–1.5 mm.12.A. insignis
1.Arcyria magnaRex.
Sporangia densely aggregated, forming clusters of greater or less extent, sometimes reaching several centimetres in either direction, tawny gray or ashen, cylindric, tapering a little above, when expanded reaching a length of half a centimetre or more, stipitate; peridium evanescent except the small shallow cup-like base, the calyculus; stipe long (1 mm.), weak, pale brown or reddish, tubular, the channel filled with plasmodic masses; capillitium gray or drab-colored, very slightly attached to the bottom of the calyculus, far expanded, forming a loose-meshed net, the threads regular, cylindric, coarsely sculptured with rings, half-rings, cogs, spines, etc.; spores in mass dull gray, drab, under the lens colorless, papillate, with few papillæ, 7–8 µ.
This magnificent form resembles in habit and general appearance, save color,A. nutans. The capillitium is, however, very different both in the sculpture and in the more delicate markings of the threads. Dr. Rex,l. c., has pointed out the lack of reticulation on the capillitium and calyculus. The color is also diagnostic. A roseate varietyseems to occur with the present form. This isA. magna roseaRex, and appears to agree with the type in all respects save color. The relationship here must be determined by future inquiry. The capillitial threads are remarkable for their graceful slenderness, regularity, and symmetry.
2.Arcyria oerstedtiiRost.
Sporangia cylindric, arcuate, 1.5 mm. high when unexpanded, closely clustered, dull crimson, stipitate; peridium evanescent except here and there a persistent patch, the calyculus shallow, plicate, papillose within; stipe short, weak, concolorous; hypothallus distinct, membranous, concolorous; capillitium a loose, far-expanding, elastic net, the meshes uneven, often small, the threads characterized by much irregularity and many bulbose thickenings, especially at the nodes, strongly spinulose throughout; spore-mass crimson or reddish brown, dull; spores by transmitted light colorless, nearly smooth, sub-globose, 9–10 µ.
This well-marked species is certainly rare within our limits. We have specimens from New England and from Pennsylvania. The Iowa material referred to this species,Bull. Lab. Nat. Hist. Ia., II., p. 125, isA. magnaRex. Rostafinski's figure is excellent in the present case, and gives the idea of what we regard the typical marking of the capillitium inA. oerstedtii. Externally the species resembles somewhatA. nodulosa, and the network of the capillitium is also suggestive of that form; the spiny capillitium is unique.
Rare. Adirondacks, New York—Dr. Rex.
3.Arcyria nutans(Bull.)Grev.
Plate II., Figs. 6, 6a, 6b.
Sporangia crowded, cylindric, about 2 mm. high when unexpanded, pale yellow or buff, short-stipitate or sessile by an acute base; peridiumwholly evanescent, except at the base, where persists the shallow, colorless, often inwardly spinulose, plicatulate calyculus; stipe very short or wanting; hypothallus thin but usually in evidence; capillitium expanding to great length, forming an extremely flexile, plumose, pendulose open network of pale ochraceous tint, the threads 3–4 µ in thickness, adorned with spinules, sharp edged transverse plates sometimes rings, the surface especially marked by an indistinct reticulation; spore-mass buff or ochraceous, spores by transmitted light colorless, smooth or nearly so, 7–8 µ.
This elegant species is not rare in undisturbed woods, especially on fallen willows. The expanded capillitia are very soft and plume-like, waving and nodding, very lightly attached below to the centre of the peridial cup. The capillitium threads are rough, with irregular spines and sharp-edged transverse plates, occasionally extending to form rings. Resembles the first species somewhat in habit, size, and the spinescent capillitium, but the resemblance is superficial only. The color is at once diagnostic, and the capillitium is after all entirely different. Not uncommon; Canada to Mexico; Maine to California; probably cosmopolitan.
Bulliard's figure determines the synonymy. Persoon called the formA. flava, because Bulliard had missed the genus.
4.Arcyria versicolorPhillips.
Sporangia gregarious or more or less crowded, pyriform or clavate, dingy, olivaceous yellow, becoming reddish, stipitate; peridium membranous, largely persistent below, where it gives rise to the deep, goblet-shaped calyculus; stipe strand-like, weak, sometimes wanting, concolorous with the peridium; hypothallus prominent or venulose; capillitium only slowly expanded, bright golden yellow or orange, the threads rather broad, about 4 µ in diameter, regular, even, elegantly branching, adorned with abundant short spines or warts, very small and evenly distributed, the whole net anchored in the bottom of the vasiform calyculus; spore-mass yellow, by transmitted light pale or nearly colorless, smooth, about 10 µ.
This beautiful species is easily known by its comparatively large size, peculiar, obovate shape, its brilliant color, and unusually persistent membranous calyculus. It is peculiar to the western part of North America, South Dakota west to the Pacific Ocean.
South Dakota, Colorado, California, Washington.
In the thin-covered mountains of Colorado, or hidden by the still drier thickets and woods of Southern California, the fruit of this species is small, somewhat as the clavate hemitrichia, pure, deep yellow, golden or vitelline as Phillips says; but at loftier altitudes in the ever cool forests on the high mountain flanks, beginning away up where the glacier first starts to crack and slide between the 'cleavers', and forests of stunted white-stemmed pine or wooly-fruited fir throw down their twigs and foliage undisturbed through centuries,—on down to where the plowing ice forgets its thrust, and melts to gentle floods amid spruce and hemlock-groves,—all the way the beautiful versicolor spreads and fruits, in August and September in all the richness of color which its name implies, which Phillips saw, tints of red, and yellow, and olive, and green, not brilliant, but in all the softer shades the artists love, weaving, in far-spread strands of tufted cylinders and cones upturned, fair as flowers, dusky garlands, by sunlight long forgot! Did not the old-time botanists liken these things once and again, to flowers!
5.Arcyria incarnataPersoon.
Sporangia closely crowded, cylindric, 1–1.5 mm. high, rosy or flesh-colored, stipitate or almost sessile; stipe generally short, sometimes barely a conical point beneath the calyculus; hypothallus none; peridium wholly evanescent, except the shallow, saucer-like, inwardly roughened calyculus; capillitium loose, broad, pale reddish, attached to the cup at the centre only by strands which enter the hollow stem, the threads adorned with transverse plates, cogs, ridges, etc., arranged in an open spiral; spore-mass rosy, spores by transmitted light colorless, nearly smooth, 7–8 µ.
This common species is well marked both by its color and by thedelicate attachment of the capillitium to the calyculus. This is so frail that the slightest breath ofttimes suffices to effect a separation, and the empty calyculi are not infrequently the only evidence of the fructification. This peculiarity did not escape the attention of Persoon, and is well shown in his figure (Obs. Myc., I., p. 58, pl. V. Figs. 4 and 5) referred to by Gmelin,l. c.Batsch simply named and described Micheli's figure (Tab. XCIV., Fig. 2), and accordingly his claim to priority is no better than Micheli's figure, which may possibly concern the present species, but is in no sense determinative. It is impossible to say what Retzius meant by hisClathrus ramosus, cited by Fries as a synonym here.
Common, especially in the Mississippi valley and south; more rare in the west; Black Hills, South Dakota; Toronto to New Mexico.
6.Arcyria nodulosaMacbr.
Plate III., Fig. 8.
Sporangia small, about 1 mm. high when unexpanded, crowded in clusters of varying size, dull red or brownish, stipitate; the peridium evanescent except the cup; stipe very short, concolorous, plicate as the cup, or both smooth and unmarked; capillitium centrally attached, slowly expanded, open-meshed, dense, the threads even, 5–6 µ wide, expanded in globose, spinulose, or papillate-reticulate nodules, especially at points of intersection, marked everywhere by close-set, transverse, sharp-edged ridges, which encircle the thread and show no trace of spiral arrangement; spore-mass brown or red brown; spores by transmitted light pale yellow or colorless, minutely but distinctly roughened, globose, 10–12 µ.
This variety is not distantly related to the preceding, as shown by the centrally attached capillitial mass, but differs in several definite particulars; the sporangia are much smaller of an entirely different color with longer stipes, larger, rougher spores; the capillitium is also peculiar, the threads unusually wide and densely corrugated transversely, expanding at frequent intervals into globose nodules which are sometimes double the width of the thread. In color suggestsA. affinisRost., but corresponds to no other particular.
7.Arcyria ferrugineaSauter.
Plate XII., Figs. 6, 6a, 6b.
Sporangia ovoid or short cylindric, crowded or gregarious, dull red or brownish, stipitate; stipe about equal to the sporangium, dark brown or black; hypothallus well developed, membranous, yellowish brown continuous; calyculus large, wide and shallow, smooth; capillitium centrally attached, when fresh, brick-red in color, fading on exposure, the threads of uneven size, those above 6–7 µ, below 3 µ, abundantly branching, marked by conspicuous reticulations formed by the intersection of numerous vertical plates or ridges; spore-mass reddish, spores by transmitted light pale ochraceous, distinctly warted, 10–12 µ.
This species is distinguishable at sight by the peculiar color and form of the sporangia. Mr. Durand inBot. Gaz., XIX., pp 89, 90, gives a careful study of the form. The same author declares the dehiscence circumscissile. We cannot distinguishA. aurantiacaRaun. from the present form.
Rare. Maine, New York; Monterey, California.
8.Arcyria denudata(Linn.)Sheldon.
Plate II., Figs. 5, 5a.
Sporangia crowded or gregarious, ovoid or short cylindrical, tapering upward, red-brown, stipitate; peridium evanescent except the plicate calyculus; stipe about equal to the expanded capillitium, concolorous, plicate or striate, ascending from a small hypothallus; capillitium attached to the whole inner surface of the calyculus and connate with it; hence not deciduous, bright red or carmine when fresh, turning brown or paler with age, the threads even, about 3 µadorned with a series of rather distant cogs or half rings, whichform around the thread a lengthened spiral; spore-mass red or reddish brown, spores by transmitted light colorless, nearly smooth, 6–8 µ.
This species is easily distinguished from all other of similar tints by the attachment of the capillitium. In this respect it corresponds with the following species. In the adornment of the threads it is likeA. incarnata. It is by far the commonest species of the genus, and probably enjoys a world-wide distribution. To be found at all seasons on the lower side of fallen sticks,Populus,Tilia, etc.
Micheli, Pl. XCIV., shows that he had the present species. The description given by Linné is worthless, but helped out by Micheli, and several other authors of the eighteenth century, who take the trouble to describe the species, but still give the Linnean binomial as a synonym; we may give Linné here the credit. As a matter of fact, Batsch underEmbolus crocatusfirst presents an unmistakable description and figure.
Maine to the Black Hills and Colorado, and north and west; Alaska to Nicaragua.
9.Arcyria cinerea(Bull.)Pers.
Plate II., Figs. 3, 3a.
Sporangia scattered or gregarious, ovoid or cylindrical, generally tapering upward, about 2–3 mm. high, ashen gray, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, stipitate; calyculus very small, thin; stipe about half the total height, rising from a small hypothallus, thin, gray or blackish, densely crowded with spore-like cells; capillitium dense, freely branching, ashen, or yellowish, little wider below, minutely spinulose; spore-mass concolorous, spores by transmitted light colorless, smooth, 6–7 µ.
A very common little species, easily recognized by its color and habit. The capillitium is more dense than in any other species and expands less. The stipe is about equal to the expanded capillitium, unusually long. The plasmodium occurs in rotten wood, especially species ofTilia, is gray and, judging from the number of sporangia found in one place, scanty.
Bulliard,l. c., gives the first account of the species by which it can with any certainty be identified. By some authorsClathrus recutitusLinn. is cited as a synonym. We fail to distinguishA. cookeiMass. from the old type.
Widely distributed; Maine to Alaska, and south to Mexico and Nicaragua.
10.Arcyria digitata(Schw.)Rost.
Sporangia compound, that is gathered in tufts, number 3–12 or more on a single stipe, the clusters themselves scattered; individual sporangia elongate cylindric, about 3–4 mm. long, ashen gray or nearly white, stipitate; stipe as long or longer than the sporangium, stout, sometimes showing traces of consolidation of several, sometimes none, dark brown or black; capillitium looser and more expanded than in the last, the threads more strongly spinulose; spore-mass concolorous, spores under the lens colorless, smooth, globose, 7.5–8 µ
Closely related to the preceding, but different in habit and on the whole larger and more robust throughout. The stipes in some cases are completely merged in one; in others traces of coalescence remain. The number of united sporangia varies. There are some clusters before us containing 16 and 18 in a single fascicle!
Not very common. On rotten wood of deciduous trees, especially south.
New England, Pennsylvania, Ohio; Black Hills, South Dakota, and south to Nicaragua.
Arcyria bicolorBerk. & C. seems to refer to the fact that the sporangia have sometimes an ochraceous tint. Berkeley's specimens are from Cuba. Our latest specimens are from Nicaragua; the form seems not to be reported from the old world.
11.Arcyria pomiformis(Leers)Rost.
Sporangia scattered, gregarious, globose, bright yellow, very minute,.5 mm. high, .3 mm. in diameter, stipitate; stipe short, one-third the total height, pale brown or yellow; hypothallus none; capillitium loose, freely expanding, not deciduous, honey-yellow, the threads generally wide, 4–5 µ, toward the periphery more narrow, 2.5 µ warted, marked with blunt spinules, which not infrequently pass into distinct transverse, narrow plates or half-rings, free ends clavate and numerous; spore-mass yellow, spores by transmitted light smooth, granular, globose, 7–9 µ.
This species as represented by the material before us seems constant in size, color, and microscopic characters, in all which it differs from all species here listed. It resembles somewhatLachnobolus globosusSchw., but differs in habit, habitat, color, the capillitium, its attachment and in the mode of dehiscence. In the present species the wall is evanescent almostin toto; inL. globosusis it remarkably persistent, and the capillitium is adherent.
Probably rare. Its smallness removes it from sight of all but the most exact collectors. Maine, New York, South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Iowa; Black Hills, South Dakota; Ontario;—Miss Currie.
While usually remotely gregarious a collection from southern California shows that on occasion the entire plasmodium may pass to fruit with narrowest limits, forming a stipitate, compact, globose mass of crowded, superimposed sporangia as inOligonema nitens. Set Plate XX., Fig. 12.
12.Arcyria insignisKalkbr. & Cke.
Sporangia gregarious or clustered, pale or bright rose-colored, .5–1.5 mm. in height, stipitate, ovate or cylindric; stipe short, .2–.4 mm. red, with spore-like cells; capillitium a close net-work of delicate threads with a few bulbous free ends, with faint transverse bands or short spinules, or nearly smooth, colorless beneath the lens; spores colorless, nearly smooth, 6–8 µ.
Reported from Mass. by Miss Lister. Should follow No. 8: apparently a very delicate form of the common species,A. denudata.
3. HeterotrichiaMass.
Sporangia distinct, stipitate; the peridium simple evanescent above as inArcyria; capillitium centrally attached, freely branched, the threads within very slender, without broad, anastomosing to form a dense peripheral network, and everywhere extended to form short, free, often hamate tips. A single species,—
1.Heterotrichia gabriellae(Rav.)Mass.
Plate XIII., Figs. 1, 1a.
Sporangia crowded or gregarious, oblong cylindric, ovoid, at first red, becoming yellowish brown, stipitate; the peridium evanscent except the calyculus, which is small and thin, polished; stipe shorter than the expanded capillitium, pale reddish brown; capillitium centrally attached, showing threads of two sorts, those within freely branching, slender, 1–1.5 µ, marked with half-rings or ridges, those on the periphery very different, yellow, broad, 5–6 µ, forming rather dense reticulations, with abundant free tips, acute and often curved, the whole surface here minutely and densely warted; spore-mass reddish yellow, spores by transmitted light colorless, globose, 7–8 µ.
The peculiar double capillitium seems to separate this form from the true arcyrias. Some difference in the diameter of the capillitial threads in different regions is not infrequent in the several species ofArcyria, but that difference is here emphasized and rendered yet more striking by the peculiar free tips. The present forms bear only the most superficial resemblance toA. ferrugineaSaut., with which species it is in some quarters sought to unite it.
Very rare. Collected, as noted, nearly fifty years ago in South Carolina by Ravenel, it was more recently (1896) again collected in Maine by the late Professor Harvey.
D.PROTOTRICHIACÆ
A single genus,—
PrototrichiaRost.
1876.PrototrichiaRost.,Mon. App., p. 38.
A single species,—
1.Prototrichia metallica(Berk.)Mass.
Plate XVIII., Figs. 12, 12a, 12b.
Sporangia sessile, scattered or sometimes crowded, brown, sometimes with a rosy tinge, about 1 mm. in diameter; peridium a thin, transparent, iridescent membrane, bearing in its inner surface the distal attachments of the capillitial threads; capillitium of numerous brown, spirally banded threads, which take origin in the base of the sporangium, become subdivided as they ascend, and are at length attached by their tips to the sporangium wall; spore-mass brown, spores by transmitted light pale, minutely roughened.
This curious form, with its spirally sculptured capillitial threads attached at both ends, stands intermediate betweenDianemaandHemitrichiaandTrichia. Berkeley called it a trichia, ignoring the attachment of the threads. Cooke notes this as sufficient to exclude the form from the genus. But it remained for Rostafinski to make the transfer by setting up for its reception the genus now adopted. He preferred the later (1866) specific name as more descriptive. Miss Lister reverts to the earlier name with the remark; "Little now remains of the typePrototrichia metallicaBerk. from Tasmania; but the specimen is referred toPrototrichia flagelliferaby Rostafinski who saw it in good condition."
Not uncommon in the abietine forests of the West. Alberta, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Colorado.
E.TRICHIACEÆ
Capillitium marked by spiral bands, sometimes scattered rings, etc., the threads entirely free, or at least loosely branched, and with free tips more or less numerous.
Key to the Genera of the Trichiaceæ