A.Capillitium threads long, generally united to form a loose net, centrally attached.a.Sculpture spiral1.Key to the Genera of the TrichiaceæHemitrichiab.Sculpture reticulate2.CalonemaB.Capillitial threads shorter, entirely free, though sometimes branched.a.Threads, elaters, marked by spiral bands3.Trichiab.Sculpture irregular or wanting4.Oligonema
1. HemitrichiaRost.
Capillitium a tangled net of more or less branching and anastomosing fibres centrally attached; the sculpture regular, of conspicuous spirally winding bands or ridges; habit and color various.
The species here associated are intermediate betweenArcyriaandTrichia, resembling the former in the capillitial net and the latter in thread-sculpture. Fries applied the nameHemiarcyrieaeto a group of trichias so-called, citingH. rubiformisas the first. In hisVersuchRostafinski wroteHemitrichiaand afterwardHemiarcyriain theMonograph. Massee combines the generaArcyriaandHemiarcyriaunder the former name.
Key to the Species of Hemitrichia
A.Plasmodiocarpousa.Plasmodiocarp net-like, yellow1.H. serpulab.Imperfectly plasmodiocarpous, brown2.H. karsteniiB.Sporangia all distinct.a.Sessile; very short stalkedi. Peridium hyaline, iridescent3.H. ovataii. Peridium opaque10.H. montanab.Stipitate, generally distinctly so; sometimes nearly sessile.i. Yellow or ochraceous.O Stalk hollow.+ Small, ½ mm., iridescent6.H. leiocarpa++ Larger, 1 mm., smooth but not iridescent1. Free ends more or less abundant8.H. clavata2. Free ends none9.H. stipitataOO Stalk solid7.H. intortaii. Not yellow.O Ruby red4.H. vespariumOO Copper-colored5.H. stipata
1.Hemitrichia serpula(Scop.)Rost.
Plate III., Figs. 4, 4a, 4b.
Fructification plasmodiocarpous, often covering several square centimetres, terete, branching freely and usually everywhere reticulate, rusty, tawny, or bright yellow; the peridium thin, transparent, with irregular dehiscence; hypothallus none; capillitium variable, a tangle of long yellow threads, sparingly branched, free everywhere, except below, spinulose, the free tips spinose, acuminate, spiral ridges three or four, with traces of longitudinal striæ; spore-mass golden yellow, spores beneath the lens pale yellow, globose, delicately reticulate, about 10 µ.
Very common, recognized by its bright yellow color and conspicuous reticulate habit. The plasmodium is yellow, at least upon emergence, and passes almost without change to fruit. Found on rotten logs of every description, on thelowersurface. In the Mississippi valley, the lower surface of planks used in the construction of sidewalks appears to be a favorite habitat.
Common west to the Rocky Mountains, south to Mexico and Nicaragua.
2.Hemitrichia karstenii(Rost.)List.
Fructification plasmodiocarpous, with a tendency to form distinct sessile, globose sporangia, color brownish red; capillitium a sparingly branched network, with free ends few, the thread marked byseven or eight faint spirals, the interspaces narrow, dull red in color, and 2.5 µ in diameter; spores yellow, delicately warted, 10–10.5 µ.
This is doubtless a very rare species. In the description we have followed Dr. Rex,l. c., as being more to the point for American forms. It is not improbable that the American material may after all be distinct, as discrepancies, if one may judge by descriptions, are not few. Lister, who had a slide from Dr. Rex, considers the European and American forms the same.
In outward appearing, plasmodiocarpous phases of this species very closely resemble forms ofLiceaorOphiotheca, and are in consequence often wrongly labeled.
Toronto; Montana—Anderson. To be looked for north and west.
3.Hemitrichia ovata(Pers.)Macbr.
Sporangia crowded or sometimes closely gregarious, sub-globose or turbinate, shining yellow, sessile, the peridium thin, iridescent; capillitium a tangle of sparingly branched yellow or ochraceous-yellow threads, rather slender, 3–5 µ, marked by one or two prominent spiral bands forming a loose somewhat irregular spiral, the free ends not infrequent, inflated and rounded; spore-mass yellow or yellow-ochraceous, spores by transmitted light pale yellow, distinctly and sharply spinulose, but not netted, 10–11 µ.
A rare and beautiful species, distinguished well by the small size, about .5 mm., by the thin iridescent peridium, as by the microscopic characters of the capillitial threads.
There is no doubt that this is Persoon'sTrichia ovata. His description is accurate in all that pertains to external features, and Rostafinski,App., p. 41, explicitly says that hesawin Persoon's herbarium specimens of the species bearing the name cited. Just why Rostafinski did not here adopt the older name is not clear, nor is there excuse for abandoning Wigand's name were Persoon's invalid. According to Lister,Trichia nanaMass., from Maine, is the same thing. Persoon,l. c., gives a synonymy which, in the nature of case, is unverifiable, the specific characters being microscopic.
Fries,Syst. Myc., III., p. 187, confirms Persoon and takes pains to say that the color separates it fromT. chrysospermawith which it is sometimes compared.
Rare. Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Toronto.
4.Hemitrichia vesparium(Batsch)Macbr.
Plate III., Figs. 2 and 2a.
Sporangia clustered or crowded, rarely single, clavate or subcylindric stipitate or sessile, dark wine-red or red-black in color, the peridium in perfect specimens glossy or shining metallic, opaque; stipes solid, usually blent together, concolorous; capillitium of intertwisted slender threads, sparingly branched, marked by three or four spiral ridges, abundantly spinulose, the free tips also acuminate, terminating in a spine, the whole mass dull red. Spore-mass brownish-red, spores by transmitted light reddish-orange, very distinctly warted, sub-globose, 10–12 µ.
A most common species, on rotten wood everywhere, especially in forests. Recognized generally at sight by its color and fasciculate habit. The peridium shows a tendency, often, tocircumscissiledehiscence, and persists long after the contents have been dissipated, in this condition suggesting the name applied by Batsch,vesparium, wasp-nest. The capillitium is remarkably spinescent, the branching of the threads, rare. Rostafinski describes the spores as smooth; they seem to beuniformlydistinctly warted. The plasmodium is deep red, and a plasmodiocarpous fructification occasionally appears.
Throughout the whole range, New England to Washington and Oregon, south to Nicaragua; Toronto.
5.Hemitrichia stipata(Schw.)Macbr.
Plate I., Figs. 8, 8a, 8b.
Sporangia distinct, crowded, cylindric or irregular, overlying one another, rich copper-colored, metallic, shining, becoming brown, stipitate; peridium thin, the upper portion early evanescent, the base persistent as a cup, as inArcyria; capillitium concolorous, the thread abundantly branched to form a loose net, with many free and bulbous ends, pale under the lens, marked by three or four somewhat obscure spiral bands and a few wart-like or plate-like thickenings; stipe very short; spore-mass reddish, spores by transmitted light pale, nearly or quite smooth, 6–8 µ.
This species is known at sight by its peculiarly beautiful tint when fresh, as by the crowded prolix habit of the singular overlying sporangia. The netted capillitium and the evanescent peridium suggestsArcyria, but there are abundant free tips, and the threads are unmistakably spirally wound, especially in the large, handsome sporangia characteristic of the Mississippi valley. It is a boundary form unquestionably. The stipe is generally very short, about one-tenth the total height; sometimes, when the peridium is more globose, the stipe is proportionally longer. Specimens from Iowa show fructifications several centimetres long and wide.
Not rare. New England to the Black Hills and south.
6.Hemitrichia leiocarpa(Cke.)Macbr.
Sporangia simple, obovate or pyriform, rarely almost globose, pallid, with a stem of the same color, as long as the diameter of the sporangium; spore-mass and capillitium concolorous, or with slight ochraceous tint; capillitium forming a loose net, the tubes branching in a reticulate manner; spirals three, thin, prominent, along the convex sides of the tubes mixed with a few obtuse spines; spores globose, with a thin membrane, 12–14 µ.
Such is the original description of this distinctly American species.H. varneyiRex should differ in having spirals seven or eight, and spore only 6.25 µ. Mr. Lister, who has compared types of both species, declares them the same! The present writer has been unable to secure authentic specimens.
Pennsylvania.
7.Hemitrichia intortaList.
Sporangia gregarious, globose-turbinate or pyriform, golden-yellow, stipitate; peridium thin, translucent, shining, opening at the summit irregularly, leaving a funnel-shaped receptacle below; stipe dark red brown, solid, rugulose; capillitium of threads sparingly branched, but looped and doubled upon themselves and constantly intertwisted, orange-yellow, 3–4 µ in diameter, with spirals four, sparingly spinulose, even and regular, the longitudinal striæ conspicuous; spores in mass concolorous, under the lens yellow, delicately warted, globose, 9–10 µ.
Concerning this species, Dr. Rex says: "Externally this species resemblesH. clavataPers., and has probably often been mistaken for it. The capillitium, however, in its structural details and habit of growth, is widely different. The partial untwisting of the loops of the capillitium by drying, after the rupture of the sporangium, causes it to be projected and elongated sometimes two or three times the length of the sporangium." Outwardly the open sporangium, by the projecting free tips, reminds one of a trichia. The capillitium is like that ofH. vesparium, but less rough, and, of course, different in color.
Rare. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia; Ohio, Iowa.
8.Hemitrichia clavata(Pers.)Rost.
Plate III., Figs. 1, 1b.
Sporangia clavate or turbinate, gregarious, scattered or crowded, yellow, olivaceous or brownish, stipitate; the peridium generally thin, evanescent above, breaking away so as to leave a more or less definite cup beneath; stipe about one-half the total height, reddish, reddish-brown, or blackish, hollow about half-way down; capillitium various,yellow or ochraceous, made up of slender threads more or less freely branched and netted, bearing four or five regular, even, spiral plates which project sharply and are generally smooth, the free extremities numerous or almost none, swollen, or simply obtuse; spore-mass concolorous, spores by transmitted light pale yellow, globose, minutely but distinctly warted, 8–9 µ.
This cosmopolitan species is generally one of the first brought in by the collector, its color and comparatively large size, 2–3 mm. high, making it conspicuous. Nevertheless, we are not able to recognize it in the descriptions of the older authors. Rostafinski quotes Schmiedel,Icones, 1776, as affording the earliest account of the species, but neither his description nor figure is definitive. Even Bulliard fails us here, and is differently interpreted by different authors. Persoon's description is none too good, but is reënforced by Fries and Rostafinski. The capillitium is variable both in the degree of smoothness presented, and the number of free ends, and the amount of branching. The spores in all specimens we have examined are remarkably constant in size and surface. In typicalspecimensfree ends are easily discoverable, the branching forms a definite net, and the perfectly formed capillitial thread is smooth. In some American forms—developed under less favorable circumstances?—the net is less determined, the free ends are many, and the spirals minutely rough. Here may be placedH. funalisMorgan,l. c.
Widely distributed. New England to Colorado, south to Mexico.
9.Hemitrichia stipitata(Mass.)Macbr.
Sporangia scattered, seldom crowded, obovoid or turbinate, olivaceous yellow, stipitate; the peridium smooth without, granulose within, evanescent above, persisting as a funnel-shaped cup below; the stipe long, reddish or blackish, rising from a small hypothallus; capillitium of threads 5–6 µ thick, very much branched, forming a dense net, free ends none, or not evident; the sculpture as inH. clavata, smooth and regular; spore-mass yellow; spores by transmitted light yellow, minutely warted, 7–8 µ.
This form corresponds in nearly every respect withH. clavata,except in the structure of the capillitium. The color is rather ochraceous, dirty yellow, and the stipe is proportionally longer and darker, but the form of the net is positive and gives to the species a decidedly striking and unique appearance, so that it may be recognized by the naked eye. It looks like an arcyria and for this reason Professor Morgan saidH. plumosa. Lister regards it as the same as our number 8.
Common. Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and west; south to Mexico.
10.Hemitrichia montanaMorgan.
Sporangia scattered or gregarious more or less closely, globose, whitish, sessile or very short stipitate; the peridium opaque, dull white, persistent below; capillitium deep yellow, the threads abundantly branched, forming a compact network, 7 µ wide, bearing spirals five or six, uneven and irregular, or anon interrupted, conspicuously spinulose or warted, free tips not lacking, generally inflated; spore-mass yellow, spores by transmitted light pale, nearly colorless, distinctly warted, 10 µ.
Recognizable by its peculiar pallid, sessile sporangia, as by the internal structure. Perhaps related toHemiarcyria bucknalliMass. Our specimens are from Mr. Morgan, of Ohio, with the statement that they were collected in the San Bernardino Mountains, California, by Mr. S. B. Parrish; collected later from Monterey south.
Common throughout south-western states to lower California.
2. CalonemaMorgan.
Sporangia sub-globose, crowded or superimposed, irregular sessile; hypothallus none; capillitium of slender tubules, arising from the sporangium base, branched, marked with branching veins in an irregular reticulation, and terminating in free extremities. Spores yellow.
1.Calonema aureumMorgan.
Plate XIII., Figs. 2, 2a, 2b, 2c.
Sporangia crowded or heaped in scattered clusters; peridium thin, golden yellow, adorned with intricate radiating veinlets capillitium of threads more or less branched, attached below, free above, the surface to the very tips venulose, interrupted with rings or fragmentary spirals, the apices bulbous and obtusely conical; spore-mass yellow, spores by transmitted light bright yellow, covered by a network of interlocking plates, as inT. favoginea, globose, 14–16 µ.
A curious form, related toHemitrichia, much asOligonemais toTrichia. Related to both the genera first named, but distinct, in the peculiar sculpture, fromHemitrichia, and fromOligonemain that the threads are not entirely free. Professor Morgan's original determination, founded on Ohio materials is confirmed by material sent us by Professor Underwood from Alabama.
3. Trichia(Haller)Rost.
Sporangia distinct, sessile or stipitate; capillitium of distinct elastic threads, free acuminate at each end, yellow or more rarely reddish or brown; spores generally yellow.
The trichias are easily recognized among their kind by their beautiful spirally wound, elastic capillitial threads, theelaters; these are entirely free, about 3–4 mm. in length, simple or only rarely branched, and generally acute at each extremity. The spiral bands, sometimes calledtaeniae, are generally very uniform in thickness, distance from each other, and pitch, and in many species are further reënforced by minute longitudinal plications running from one spiral to the next. Furthermore, the spirals may be smooth or spinulose the elater uniform throughout or enlarged betimes by nodes and swellings. Taken altogether, the trichias with the species of the genus next following exhibit the highest degree of differentiation attained by the Myxomycetes.
Most of the earlier authors, including Haller, used the generic nameTrichiato cover a variety of forms. It is here used with the limits sketched by De Bary in 1859 and 1864 (Die Myxomyceten), and followed more exactly ten years later by his pupil, Rostafinski.
Key to the Species of Trichia
A.Sporangia, in typical cases at least, wholly sessile.a.Gregarious; hypothallus none.i. Peridium brown or reddish brown.O Elaters smooth.OO Spirals even, regular1.T. inconspicua+ Spirals irregular2.T. contorta++ Elaters rough, spinescent3.T. iowensisii. Peridium olivaceous or yellow.O Elaters smooth4.T. variab.Hypothallus distinct; sporangia crowded; spores reticulate, banded, or netted.i. Spore-bands pitted6.T. persimilisii. Spore-bands, narrow, plain7.T. favogineaiii. Spores covered by a delicate net5.T. scabraB.Sporangia stipitate.a.Hypothallus distinct8.T. verrucosab.Hypothallus none; peridium checkered with pale reticulations.i. Brownish red or black10.T. botrytisii. Olivaceous.O Elaters smooth11.T. subfuscaOO Elaters rough12.T. erectac.Peridium plain, shining13.T. decipiensd.Peridium plain, dull black14.T. lateritia
1.Trichia inconspicuaRostafinski.
Plate III., Figs. 5, 5a, 5b.
Sporangia gregarious or crowded, small, spherical, ellipsoidal or arcuate, brown or reddish brown, sessile; hypothallus none; capillitium dull, dark, ochraceous, the elaters long, slender, even, about 3 µ wide, the spirals three or four rather closely wound, the apices attenuate, acute, sometimes turned to one side; spore-mass concolorous, spores pale ochraceous, minutely but distinctly warted, 10–12 µ.
One of the smallest of theTrichiae, not uncommon in the Mississippi valley on decaying fallen stems ofPopulus—sp. Distinguished at sight from all except No. 3 following, by its small size and brown color. Under the lens the long, delicate, finely sculptured capillitial threads, with fine tapering threads are distinctive.
New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska; Black Hills, South Dakota; Toronto.
2.Trichia contorta(Ditmar)Rost.
Plate XIII., Figs. 7, 7a.
Sporangia gregarious, or crowded, small, ellipsoid or reniform, arcuate, dark red brown, sessile; hypothallus none; capillitial mass ochraceous or dull yellow, the elaters few, irregular, the spirals uneven, irregular, often projecting and thin, though generally flat or obscure, the apices more or less swollen, ending in a curved tip; spore-mass concolorous, spores beneath the lens bright yellow, papillose, 10–12 µ.
This species resembles the preceding in color, but is of less aggregate habit, and the sporangia are more plasmodiocarpous, reniform, arcuate, etc. The capillitium is also distinctive, the sculpture irregular, uneven with general lack of symmetry. Our description is made up from specimens ofT. reniformisPeck, which appears to be the American form of Rostafinski's species.
Rare. New York, Montana?
3.TrichiaiowensisMacbr.
Plate III., Figs. 3, 3a, 3b;Plate X., Fig. 5.
Sporangia sessile, gregarious, spherical or reniform, with no hypothallus, purple brown; spores and spore-mass yellow; elaters with three or four spiral bands unevenly distributed, and with occasional inflations, sparingly branched, spinulose, especially where inflated, spinules long, 3–6 µ, recurved, often bifid or trifid, especially at or near the acuminate tip; spores delicately warted, 9–11 µ.
This species occurs not rarely and is found on the bark ofPopulus, so far, exclusively. The sporangia are inconspicuous until opening by fissure they display the yellow spores and capillitial threads. The species is immediately recognized by its elaters, whose numerous and lengthened spinules are unlike those of any cognate form, reminding one of the capillitium ofOphiotheca. Related to the two preceding, but distinct by its spinulose capillitium.
Iowa, Missouri; Black Hills, South Dakota.
Trichia andersoniRex carefully described by Morgan,Myx. Mi. Val., p. 38, belongs with this first group, four small species, the inconspicuous. To the present writer in each the structure seems distinct. In the herbarium a small bit of Anderson's material has rested long; but it must not be lost to sight. The species is sure to be taken again in the cool mountains, somewhere abundant; as these stretch from Alberta to far Alaska. The capillitium is very even the taeniae closely wound, the elater-ends often furcate.
4.Trichia varia(Pers.)Rost.
Plate IV., Figs. 3, 3a, 3b.
Sporangia gregarious or sometimes closely crowded, globose, obovoid, or irregularly globoid, yellowish or ochraceous, shining, sessile, or with a short black stipe; hypothallus none; capillitium of rather long, simple, or more rarely branched elaters, 4–5 µ, wide, marked by irregular spirals generally only two, prominent and narrow and in places remote, the apices acute, about twice the elater diameter; spore-mass yellow, spores by transmitted light dull yellow, 12–14 µ, delicately verruculose, guttulate.
A very common species, very variable in form, stipitate forms occuring anon beside those which are irregular and sessile. According to Rostafinski the stipitate phase constitutes theT. nigripesof Persoon and other authors. The capillitium is, however, characteristic throughout. The two spiral bands wind loosely and irregularly and present an elater unlike anything else in the group except the same structure inT. contorta, but here the elater is narrow and the sculpture obscure. Since the specific distinctions are purely microscopic, the synonymy beyond Rostafinski is mainly conjectural. It is possible that Fries properly applied the name.
Common. Maine to Oregon and California, and south to Arkansas and Alabama.
5.Trichia scabraRost.
Plate IV., Figs. 4, 4a, 4b.
Sporangia closely crowded upon a well-developed hypothallus, regular, globose or turbinate-globose, orange or golden brown, smooth, shining; capillitial mass clear, golden yellow, or sometimes rusty orange, the elaters simple, long, 4–5 µ in width, the spirals three or four, closely wound, spinulose, even and regular, the apices short, acuminate; spore-mass concolorous, under the lens spores yellow, covered by a delicate fine-meshed network, or simply spinulose under low power, 10–12 µ.
Generally a well-marked species, easily recognized by its regular but roughened capillitial threads. Under a 1–12 objective the spores are also diagnostic. To the unaided eye it resembles the next species in both color and habit. Fructifications two inches or more in length and half as wide are not infrequent on the lower side of fallen stems in forests of deciduous trees. The plasmodium is white.
Not uncommon. Maine to Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and south to Missouri and Arkansas.
6.Trichia persimilisKarst.
Plate IV., Figs. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c; 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d.
Sporangia globose or obovoid or irregularly spherical, shining, golden yellow to tawny, anon iridescent with metallic lustre, sessile; hypothallus thin, but usually very distinct; capillitial mass ochraceous or tawny yellow, the elaters long, even, about 4 µ wide, the spirals four, more or less spinulose, generally joined by longitudinal ridges, the apices short, tapering regularly, anon bifurcate; spore-mass concolorous, spores by transmitted light bright yellow, marked by an irregular or fragmentary banded reticulation, the bands broad, flat, and pitted, 10–12 µ. Plasmodium said to be white.
This species, common throughout the northern world, is distinguished from its congener, the following, not only by the episporic character, but generally by its different peridium and more sombre colors. It never shows at maturity the brilliant golden yellow fluff that hangs in masses about the open and empty vases ofT. favoginea, a fact not unnoted by Batsch, and rendering his figure and description so far determinable.
The episporic network shows all degrees of perfection or imperfection, and the elater also varies somewhat both in the apices and distinctness of longitudinal striæ. The several synonyms listed seem to have taken origin in a recognition of some of the more pronounced variations. In any event the American formT. abruptaCke., with bifid apices, belongs here, and European specimens seem to show the identity of forms described by Karsten and De Bary.
Not rare. New England, Canada, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and west.
7.Trichia favoginea(Batsch)Pers.
Plate IV., Figs. 5, 5a, 5b.
Sporangia closely crowded, cylindric or prismatic by mutual pressure, obovoid, sessile, olivaceous yellow, smooth and shining; the peridium thin, opening above somewhat stellately, persistent; capillitium golden yellow, escaping entirely from the peridia, and forming woolly masses above them, the threads long, even, beautifully sculptured, bearing spirals about four, usually smooth and connected by light longitudinal ridges, the apices short tapering, about equal to the width of the elater, 6–7 µ; spores concolorous, by transmitted light paler, but still bright yellow, the episporic net conspicuous, the bands narrow and high, not pitted nor fragmentary, in form irregularly globose, 12–14 µ. Plasmodium yellow.
A common and beautiful species recognizable at sight, after the peridia break, by the aggregate capillitium constantly in evidenceabove the abandoned vasiform peridia. The figures of Bulliard are unsatisfactory, although the description he gives and the name he suggests, still current, may lead us to concede that he had our species before him. The spores are larger than inT. persimilis, and the episporic net different, the "border" wider. The plasmodium in the latitude of Iowa not uncommon in woods in June, after emerging passes into fruit in the laboratory in about forty-eight hours, and the rupture of the peridia follows presently. The hypothallus is quite distinct, extra-marginal, and in substance like to the peridial wall.
Not rare. Throughout the northern forests, Maine to Washington and Oregon, south to Alabama, Louisiana, Mexico.
8.Trichia verrucosaBerk.
Sporangia pyriform, or obovoid, shining, ochraceous from the color of the contents, stipitate, more or less botryoid or connate; stipe twice the height of the spore-case, reddish brown, simple or consolidated with others, weak, inclined, or procumbent; hypothallus distinct; spore-mass ochraceous yellow, the elaters simple, with smooth tapering points, with spirals three or four, the spores beautifully and strongly reticulate, after the manner of the spores in the species preceding, with the meshes generally complete and always large, quite variable in size 12–16 µ.
Rostafinski quotes the species (testeLister) from Chile. Specimens in the herbarium of the State University of Iowa are from Jalapa, Mexico, collected by Mr. C. L. Smith. The species may be therefore expected in the southern United States. Berkeley described it from Tasmania.T. superbaMass, from description would seen to be the same thing.
9.Trichia pulchellaRex.
Sporangia solitary or in groups of four or five, bright vitelline yellow, sessile; the peridium thin, transparent, opening irregularly above; hypothallus none; capillitium bright yellow, not emergent, the threadsnarrow, 3–4 µ, wound with spirals three or four, more or less irregular, smooth, longitudinal ridges wanting, the apices rather long, acuminate, about twice the diameter of the elater, or anon clavate or even globose, bulbose at the tip and furnished with several stout spines; spore-mass concolorous; under the lens spores colorless, marked by a very feebly developed reticulation ofT. persimilistype, but the bands narrow and, as shown by the narrow "border," low, meshes few and often imperfect, globose or sub-globose, about 12 µ.
The episporic characters of this species ally it toT. persimilismost nearly. The reticulations are possibly not more divergent from the typical form of that species than are the same features in some other forms there included. But in the present case, added to the episporic sculpture, we must reckon the peculiar capillitial thread, unlike that seen in either of the chrysospermatous forms, and the gregarious habit without hypothallus. These peculiarities seemed to Dr. Rex distinctive, and as they appear constant they may be left to separate the species.
10.Trichia botrytisPersoon.
Plate XIII., Figs. 8, 8a.
Sporangia gregarious, scattered, sometimes combined in clusters, pyriform or turbinate, stipitate, red-purple or, ochraceous-brown the peridium breaking up irregularly, the dehiscence sometimes prefigured by pale reticulations on the surface; stipe solid, single, or united in clusters of five or more together, dark-colored, red or purple-brown, opaque; capillitium orange, ochraceous yellow, or even reddish brown, the threads simple or rarely branched, long-fusiform, about 4 µ thick at the centre, tapering gradually to the long accuminate, apiculate tips, spirals three or four, even, smooth, rather closely wound and traceable almost to the apex; spores concolorous in mass, under the lens pale, globose, more or less closely minutely warted but not reticulate, 10–12 µ.
A species remarkable for its variations in color. More commonly the unopened sporangia are opaque brown, by reason of a dense outer wall, and more frequently simple, or if compound, show but two or three united. The reddish variety, vinous or scarlet-black in color, is remarkably fasciate. Some clusters show twenty or more stipitate, globose sporangia, conjoined by their distinct but coherent stems. In such fruitings the sporangia are small, .5 mm. In the brown sporangia the dehiscence, as stated, is often definitely prefigured; in the multiple, red, obscurely, if at all. As presented in collections from the eastern United States, the two forms might well be disjoined. Persoon, however, discussed both together and so they remain.
Saccardo includesCraterium floriformeSchw. here.
By the descriptions of the earlier authors it is impossible to distinguish this fromH. vespariumon the one hand, andT. decipienson the other.T. botrytisPers.,l. c., gives us first secure foothold. Fries discards Persoon's appellation as unsuitable and improperly applied, and takes up what he deems an older specific designation,T. pyriformisLeers. But Rostafinski is certain Leers hadA. puniceain mind, and that other early names are equally ill-applied. Rostafinski rejects Persoon's names simply as not pertinent in every case. Massee examined the specimens of Léveillé, and finds them belonging here; but see our No. 14,seq.
Not common, but with wide range. Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado; Toronto.
11.Trichia subfuscaRex.
Sporangia gregarious, scattered, dull tawny brown, shading to dark brown below, about ½ mm. in diameter, globose, stipitate; stipe short, about equal to the sporangium, stout, brown or brownish black, rugulose, solid; capillitial mass bright straw color; the elaters long cylindrical, 3–4 µ wide, adorned with spirals four, which wind unevenly, are perfectly smooth, and terminate in abrupt tips about twice the diameter of the elater; spores yellow, under the lens yellow, minutely and closely warted, globose, 12 µ.
The spores of this species resemble closely those of the preceding, but the sporangium is at sight different in appearance and proportions and the capillitium not the same at all. The elaters are never fusiform, the apices always abrupt in their acumination, and the sculpture irregular and uneven. In form the elater resembles that ofT. scabra. The description is drawn from specimens,N. A. F., 2495, with which, however, specimens received from Dr. Rex and later collected exactly correspond.
The elaters of uniform diameter, the apices abruptly narrowed to a blunt point, turned to one side, will serve to distinguish this species from the wholeT. botrytisgroup, some forms of which it outwardly resembles.
We have beautiful specimens from the shores of Puget Sound.
New York.
12.Trichia erectaRex.
Sporangia gregarious, often in clusters of two or three together, but generally single, nut-brown, checkered with broad, conspicuous yellow dehiscence bands, globose, ½ mm. wide, stipitate, stipe double the sporangium, dark brown, solid; capillitial mass bright yellow, the elaters cylindric, 3–4 µ wide, terminating in apices short and smooth, adorned with spirals, four, coarsely spinulose, winding unevenly or even branching and so united to one another! spore-mass yellow, spores by transmitted light pale, globose, minutely warted, 12 µ.
Distinguished at sight by the peculiarly mottled peridium.T. botrytisin its ochraceous forms sometimes shows tendency to the same thing, but the checkered surface is here conspicuous. The elaters resemble those of the preceding form, but are remarkably rough.
Rare. Adirondacks, New York.
13.Trichia decipiens(Pers.)Macbr.
Plate IV., Figs. 2, 2a, 2b.
Sporangia gregarious, sometimes closely so, sometimes scattered, turbinate, shining olive or olivaceous brown, stipitate; stipe generally elongate, concolorous above, dark brown below, hollow,i. e.filled with spore-like cells; capillitial mass yellowish or olivaceous yellow, the elaters perfectly smooth, long fusiform, tapering gradually to the long, slender taeniate apices, simple or often branched, adorned with spirals three, which wind evenly but somewhat distantly; spore-mass olivaceous or ochraceous, spores under the lens, pale, minutely delicately reticulate, 10–12 µ.
One of our largest and most common species, in form and size resemblingH. clavata, but immediately distinguished by its color. The capillitium is like that ofT. botrytis, but differs in the more open sculpture and the longer and smoother unwound tips. The episporic net is a constant character in all the specimens examined. This feature reminds ofT. scabra.
This is, of course, our familiarT. fallaxof all authors from Persoon down. The earliest unmistakable reference to this species is Hedwig,l. c.But Batsch, in 1789, had used the same combination to describe a real puff-ball, so that Hedwig's name was already a synonym. The specific name here adopted is next in point of priority, although Persoon discarded it the year following, substitutingfallax, because he had mistaken the genus.
Not rare. New England, Toronto; west to the Black Hills and Washington, Oregon, California, south to the Carolinas and Kansas; Jalapa, Mexico.
14.Trichia lateritiaLév.
Sporangia more or less closely gregarious, (a) simple globose-turbinate, dull black when dry, when moist generally with a vinous tinge, 1 mm. in diameter, stipitate. The stipe concolorous, rigid, erect, simpleeven, 2–6 mm., or (b) multiple, several sporangia united by their pale brown or reddish-brown, striate, weak, closely adherent or united stems; hypothallus small or none; capillitial-mass bright brick-red cut-off from the stem-cavity, such as may be, and enclosed by a thick, firm opaque peridium, which opens above in fragmental or petaloid lobes, leaving a craterium-like cup below, to persist in flower-like fashion long after the contents have blown away; elaters fusiform, extremely long, to 50 µ; about 5 µ in width at the widest (middle) point, long acuminate, adorned with usually four clean-cut even, regular, taeniae, uniformly spaced and carried forward on the progressive acumination, almost to the smooth, straight spine-like point; spores in mass brick-red, by transmitted light, orange-brown almost smooth, 10–12 µ.
This showy and remarkable species is set out fromT. botrytisPers. with which it has been more or less closely associated, for several reasons. In the first place, it is easily recognized in the field, by its size, color, and structure. Often simple throughout a colony entire, nevertheless where the vegetative development has been stronger, simple and multiple fructifications may stand side by side, but the odd fasciation is generally limited to few sporangia, perhaps three or four, or at most, half a dozen. These fasciate forms generally shorter, or less erect. The elaters, so far as our observation goes, are the longest in the genus notable for their beautiful symmetry. The spores are larger than in the red forms ofT. botrytisas usually presented, smoother and of different color.
We have also a geographic limitation. Taken to Paris first from southern Chile, it promises to be a Pacific coast species, found as it now has been in North America from San Diego, to Vancouver. In a deep forest near Monterey, California, a half-buried log showed one colony a meter in length and from six to twelve centimetres in width, hundreds of sporangia, each by gentlest explosion opening to display its tuft of bright-tinted wool, a patch of color visible from far.
4. Oligonema.
Sporangia distinct, small, generally crowded together and superimposed; hypothallus none; capillitium scanty, the sculpture rudimentaryand imperfect, scattered rings or mere roughenings, sometimes imperfect or faint spirals; spores yellow.
The oligonemas are simply degenerateTrichiae, and show the vagaries usually to be noted in a passing type. They are difficult to define, and the species are indeed variable. Those here listed seem to offer constant features throughout our range.
Key to Species of Oligonema