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Handbooks of the Flora and Fauna of South Australia, issued by the
British Science Guild (South Australian Branch) and published by
favour of the Honourable the Premier (Hon. R. L. Butler , M.P .)

TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS

AND OTHER

Larger Fungi of South Australia.

By JOHN BURTON CLELAND, M.D.

Part I.

CONTAINING

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

AND THE

TOADSTOOLS and MUSHROOMS.

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

PRICE : FIVE SHILLINGS. COPYRIGHT.

• •

ADELAIDE:

Printed by Harrison Weir, Government Printer, North Terrace.
June 15, 1934.

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HANDBOOKS IN COURSE OF PREPARATION.

Toadstools and Mushrooms and other Larger Fungi (J. B. Cleland,
M.D.).

Seaweeds (A. H. S. Lucas, M.A., B.Sc.).

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Birds (A. M. Morgan, M.B., B.S.).

Handbooks of the Flora and Fauna of South Australia, issued by the
British Science Guild (South Australian Branch) and published by
favour of the Honourable the Premier (Hon. R. L. Butler, M.P.)

TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS

AND OTHER

Larger Fungi of South Australia.

By JOHN BURTON CLELAND, M.D.

Part I.

CONTAINING

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

AND THE

TOADSTOOLS and MUSHROOMS.

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

PRICE : FIVE SHILLINGS.

Wholly set up in Australia, and printed by
Harrison Weir, Government Printer, Adelaide.

Registered at the General Post Office, Adelaide, for transmission through the post as a book.

June 15th, 1934.

Handbooks Committee :

Dr. J. B. Cleland, Professor of Pathology, University of Adelaide
(Chairman).

Dr. 1 . Harvey Johnston, Professor of Zoology, University of Adelaide
(Secretary).

Dr. R. H. Pulleine.

Mr. J. M. Black, Hon. Lecturer in Botany, University of Adelaide.

Mr. H. M. Hale, Director, South Australian Museum (Editor).

CONTENTS.

Page.

Editorial Preface 5

Author’s Preface 6

GENERAL INTRODUCTION 9

Why Study the Higher Fungi ? 12

The Uses of the Higher Fungi 12

Pine Seedlings and Fungus Growth 13

Fungi as Food 14

The Preparation of Mushrooms for Food 16

Poisoning bit Toadstools 16

Higher Fungi as Injurious Agents 19

Fungi and Art 20

The Localities Affected by the Different Species 21

Fungi and Bush Fires 23

The Larger Fungi Eaten by Mammals, Insects, and other Animals 24

Interesting Phenomena Manifested by Certain Species 27

Luminescence 27

Fairy Bings 28

The Mechanical Force Exerted by Developing Fruiting Bodies 30

The Collection and Preservation of Fungi for Botanical Purposes.... 31

The Essential Parts of the Higher Fungi 34

Definitions of Certain Special Terms Employed 37

THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE HIGHER FUNGI 40

SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES OF AGARICACEAE

( Toadstools and Mushrooms and other Gilled Fungi ) 46

EDITORIAL PREFACE.

Handbooks of the Flora and Fauna of South Australia, issued by the
British Science Guild (South Australian Branch).

Recognising the need for a wider diffusion of accurate knowledge of our
Flora and Fauna, the Guild has undertaken the issue of a series of handbooks.

There is an admitted lack of inexpensive but accurate books dealing
with the plants and animals of South Australia, and it is felt that the absence
of such has been a real handicap to young Australia, and so to the progress
of Australian Science. These volumes, which have been planned to meet
the want, are being prepared gratuitously by South Australian biologists
and geologists ; they will be printed and published by the State Government,
and will be available for schools and the public generally.

AUTHOR’S PREFACE.

An effort Inis been made in this Handbook to combine features of 'interest to
the general naturalist with more detailed technical descriptions of the various
species of larger fungi at present known for this State. Though the latter
aspect appeals chiefly to the systematic mycologist, whose numbers in Australia
are few, others who feel an interest in this branch of botany will not And it
difficult to master the terms employed in the descriptive part of this work. Such
interest, once stimulated, may lead on to a more complete study of these
fascinating find often evanescent plants. Moreover the serious student is entitled
to consideration and the work he does in systematic mycology often has important
practical hearings. The present study, imperfect as it necessarily is, represents
arduous work spread over many years. The field experience thus gained will,
it is hoped, help others to acquire more quickly a working knowledge of our
larger fungi.

The author has borrowed freely from the generic descriptions in Rea’s "British
Basidiomycetes, ’ ' most of which have been adopted in Into, and he is indebted
to tliis work in many other ways. Much of the glossary is copied from C. 11.
Kauff'maun’s ‘‘The Agaricaceae of Michigan,’’ from which has also been
obtained most of the information on poisonous fungi. The author would like to
express his indebtedness to Dr. G. 11. Cunningham of New Zealand, who has
critically examined much South Australian material and from whose writings
nearly all the section dealing with the Gasteromycetales (Puff-balls, etc.) has
been taken. Miss E. M. Wakefield of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England,
has gone out of her way to aid in the identification of Australian specimens 'sent
to her; Mr. L. Rodway, C.M.G., of Hobart, has collaborated with the author in
various papers and assisted him in many ways; Mr. Edwin Cheel, Keeper of the
Herbarium, Botanic Gardens, Sydney, was a co-worker for niruiy years and has
contributed his share to our present knowledge of the subject.

No financial provision has been made in this series of Handbooks for the
publication of coloured illustrations. Those appearing in Part 1. of this Hand-
book are due to the generosity of the Government Printer of New South Wales
(Mr. A. .1. Kent, l.S.O.) and to a private benefaction, and take the place of an
equivalent number of uncoloured illustrations. The four plates II. to V.
were prepared as far hack as 1916 fi'om watercolour drawings chiefly by Miss
Phyllis Clarke (now Mrs. North), for publication in The Agricultural Gazette
of A 'cw South Wales as part of a series of article® by Mr. Edwin Cheel and
myself appearing therein. The stress of the years of the Great War necessitated
the cessation of this series. The four blocks, which had already been prepared,
wore then put aside by the Government Printer of New South Wales, who has
now with characteristic courtesy lent them free of charge to the Government
Printer of South Australia for publication in this Handbook. To Mr. Cheel 1
would like to express my thanks for permission to use these plates, intended to
illustrate our joint article. It is necessary to add that the fungi figured from
this source have not as yet all been found in South Australia, though probably
most of them do occur. Descriptions, from, the specimens figured, of those not
yet recorded are included in the text in square brackets [ ]. The cost of the
blocks for the coloured illustrations in Plates I. and VI. lias been paid
for out of a small fund at the disposal of the South Australian Branch of the
British Science Guild. The watercolours from which they were taken were the work
of Miss Phyllis Clarke (Mrs. North) and the reproductions indicate the delicacy
and excellence of her technique.

AUTHOR’S PREFACE — continued.

Many of the half-tone illustrations in the text have been taken from a large
number of further water-colour drawings by Miss Clarke, as well as from
drawings by the late Miss R, Fiveasli, Miss J. Buxton, and others, all prepared
for the author as records in colour of Australian fungi. He is also much
indebted to those who have assisted him by taking the photographs (Mr. S. Tee
in particular) and in preparing the line drawings.

In the systematic portion of the work, the use of capital letters commencing
the names of colours, followed by Roman numerals (thus “Pinkish Cinnamon,
xxix.”), means that such colour has been matched with the one so named on
the plate of that number in Ridgway’s “Color Standards and Color Nomen-
clature,” 1912.

Unless otherwise indicated, the descriptions of the fungi are based on Aus-
tralian specimens, mostly collected by the author. Thus, where the species is
one which had been originally described from some other part of the world, the
description given is to be taken as referring to Australian plants believed to
belong to the same species. If later it is found that the two are really
specifically distinct though closely related, the description will then apply to the
Australian species and not to the exotic one. The records of fungi for the
other States of Australia are purely incidental, and no attempt has been made
to make these complete.

J. B. Clelaxd.

The University, Adelaide.

[ Watercolour by Miss P. Clarke.

PLATE I.

Amanita ochrophylla (Cke. et Mass.) (No. 5). Chatswood, Sydney. Reduced by

GENERAL INTRODUCTION.

The fungi comprise a very large section of the vegetable kingdom, Being
destitute of chlorophyll, anil thus differing from the green plants, they are
unable to utilise the <■ sir bon present in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. They
are thus compelled to live a saprophytic, or in some cases a parasitic, existence,
deriving their supplies of carbon and also other necessary substances from
organic material which has been formed directly or indirectly from chlorophyll-
containing plants. In the course of obtaining their food from these various
sources, they disintegrate the material and break down the complex chemical
compounds composing it into substances of simpler nature, preparatory to
building these up again into other forms as part of their own substance. Even
the parasitic members obtain their nourishment in the same way. Mechanical as
well as biochemical factors participate in the disintegration. We sometimes see
bracket fungi growing on telegraph posts, or the rails of a fence, or on the
prostrate trunk of a forest tree. These are the fruiting bodies of fungi wliose
mycelial threads permeate the adjacent wood where their presence can be
recognised by the altered appearance and texture. The affected portion is easily
broken down and readily crumbles. Part of the air-spaces that were present in
the dead wood have become tilled by the fungous threads, so that the wood now
smoulders on the fire instead of burning freely. With access of moisture, the
mycelial threads become turgid and so tend to rend asunder the wood fibres
in their neighbourhood, and in addition ferments are secreted by the growing
mycelium which lead to chemical disintegration as well. When in the
forest the trunk of a tree falls to the ground and wet weather supervenes, fungi
of various kinds and bacteria invade the dead material, gradually permeate it,
and in the ways mentioned lead eventually to its complete disintegration, being
aided in the process by other lowly forms of life, and by insects and related
animals. With warmth, the process is hurried up, if sufficient moisture be
present so as to give a. humid atmosphere; with cold it is retarded, and in the
relative absence of moisture it is arrested or nearly so. In. the arid interior of
Australia, unless attacked by termites, the destruction of timber is exceedingly
slow, whilst in a t ropical jungle a great tree that has fallen may disappear
entirely in a surprisingly short time. Were it not for this beneficent disin-
tegration by fungi and bacteria, the forest floor would soon become deeply
littered with fallen boughs and leaves and a rich humus would fail to develop.
Seedling plants would not find room to grow, and in the course of time the
forest itself would necessarily cease to exist. Fungi, aided by bacteria, are
then the great scavengers of the forest and of effete plant material as a whole,
just as bacteria aided by insects are, under natural conditions, the chief means
of removing animal carcases. The forest tree is like Imperial Caesar, and the
“clay’' to which each is turned serves an ever-useful purpose and is again built
up to form forest-trees and Caesars of a younger generation.

It is not the purpose of this Handbook to deal with the great group of fungi
as a whole. This would be a stupendous task, even dealing with the South
Australian members alone. There are so many branches, and the work in each is
so specialised, that the various divisions would require to be dealt with by
separate workers. It is advisable, however, to indicate briefly what these
different divisions are, so that we may appreciate more clearly the relationship
borne by our special subject to its allies in mycology. The bacteria are closely
related to the fungi and pass by almost imperceptible gradations from unques-
tioned bacteria to quite obvious fungi. To the bacteriologist dealing with
human, animal, or plant diseases, or with the bacteriology of the soil, or the
maturing of tobaceo, or the making of butter, or the tanning of leather, or
even the manufacture of white lead, we leave the bacteria. To one of his tribe
wo leave also the study of such true fungus diseases of man as ringworm and
thrush, as well as the yeasts, also true fungi, that make our bread rise or brew
our beer. This Handbook will not deal either with the many kinds of moulds
that grow on damp bread, that cover our boots in the tropics, or cause patches
and decay on tarpaulins, or sometimes disfigure the carcases of meat in cold
storage. These fungal organisms and their allies are many, most are minute
and require microscopic study to appreciate them at all, their structure as fungi

THE LARGER FUNGI

is relatively simple, find they form no large and obvious fruiting bodies. More-
over, we will not consider the microscopic, fungi that play such a part in injuring
plants of economic importance to man. This group falls to the lot of the plant
pathologist. The majority of these fungi are microscopic in themselves, though
the reactions in the host-plant’s tissues to which they give rise may be quite
large and striking in appearance. The rusty galls on many of our acacias due
to species of Vromycladium are an example in point. In some cases, indeed,
the fungus itself may form a body obvious to the naked eye and of a definite
shape, as is the case with the sclerotium of ergot found on one at least of our
native grasses. However, as a rule there does not occur amongst these plant
pests any fungous forms that suggest at all closely a. “toadstool,” a mushroom,
a bracket fungus, a eoral-or jelly-fungus, or a puffball. The majority of the
diseases of plants, shown by wilting, spots on leaves, pustules, die backs, warty
or distoi'ted growths and galls, when not due to insects or mites, are caused by
fungi not closely related to the larger forms with which we are concerned.
Occasionally such a disease, as for instance silver-leaf of plums, is due to the
mycelium of one of these huger forms, though the fruiting of the fungus is
rarely seen. However, such fungi as the rusts, though more or less microscopic,
are not so distantly related to the toadstools as one might think. Moreover, we
find that many of the fungi studied by the plant pathologist have their spores
contained in special sacs called asei and these correspond with similar structures
found in some large fleshy, and in some cases edible, fungi (such as MorcheVa)
with which we shall deal.

The fungi which live in intimate association with the roots of epiphytic orchids
in tropical forests also do not come within the purview of tills Handbook. These
fungi, living thus in symbiosis with the cells of these higher plants, are
probably of material service lo the orchitis and would seem to lie essential for
the development of their seeds.

'The lichens constitute a curious class of plants inasmuch as each species is of
composite origin, being the result of the intimate living together of a species
of alga with a fungus species, the result being a structure entirely different
in appearance from what would be seen were tho alga and the fungus each
loading an independent existence. The lichens also arc outside our scope.

With what then do we propose to deal? It is with a large group that in the
fruiting condition exhibit obvious fleshy, leathery, woody, or jelly-like structures
of a form and coloring peculiar to each particular species. Nearly all these forms
are. classifiable under one division of the fungi known ns the Basidiomycetes, tho
structure of which indicates that the plants concerned are amongst the most highly
developed or complex of the fungi taken as a whole. In addition, we shall include
also a few genera that show somewhat similar conspicuous more or less fleshy
fruiting bodies, but which have their spores contained in sacs (asei), each sac
possessing eight spores. This latter great division of the fungi is, in consequence,
known as the Axcomyivtrx, and it is to be noted, as already stated, that some of
the microscopic species of this division play a prominent part in the causation of
plant diseases. We will not deal with these small forms or with a number of
more or less saucer-shaped species amongst the Dtieomyectefi, which also have
their spores in asei. These latter, varying in size from less than a threepenny
piece to that of I m I f a crown or more, might quite well be included in out
category, but no thorough attempt has as yet been made to work out the South
Australian species.

From the point of view of this Handbook, then, the “larger fungi ' 1 embrace
all the BaMdiomyceles, even though some may be not much larger than a pin’s
head, together with a few of the most highly developed Ai<coniycetes that have
prominent fleslxv fruiting bodies. As already stated, the Ascomyaetes are
characterised by having the spores — or at least certain spores — contained at one
time within definite little sacs. In the Basbdiomycetes, the spores are not developed
in sacs, but are borne at the end of certain fungous hyphae, known as basidia,
usually projecting from tho basidium on tne ends of delicate processes known as
sterigmata. Each basidium usually support's four spores. The gills of a common
mushroom possess numerous basidia with their free ends projecting from amongst
the other hyphae, and on each basidium will be seen four sterigmata capped each
with a spore. In this way the spores are raised from the surface on which they
have developed so that when mature they can fall free from the gills and bo
distributed around by currents of air.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

When a fungus spore finds a suitable medium in which to grow and begins to
develop, it becomes transformed into a mycelial or fungous thread, both the spore
and the thread being of microscopic size. This, as nourishment is absorbed,
becomes longer and longer, transverse septa appear and branching takes place.
The food supply becomes permeated by these strands. For days or weeks, or
perhaps for years, the young fungus plant continues growing in this way when
conditions, such as warmth and moisture, are favorable. Eventually a large
portion of the food supply may in the end be converted into the fungous
mycelium which may form a considerable mass of tissue, though not' necessarily
a compact mass. During this active growth surplus material is stored up to be
made use of, when the favourable time comes, for the rapid production of a
definite fruiting structure in or on which multitudes of fresh spores will be
formed. To take the common mushroom as an example, for many months the
fungus plant labours at producing an abundant “spawn,” in which is stored
up material that can be rapidly transferred to produce the mushrooms them-
selves. The spawn may live for several or many years, annually under suitable
weather conditions producing a crop of mushrooms. These, though they may
“come up in a night," do not really represent the result of a single night’s
work on the part of the fungus plant. The materials of which the mushroom is
composed have taken a long time to elaborate. They have been stored up ready
to be rapidly transferred to those points where, on the mass of fungous hyphae.
the buds of the future mushrooms have been laid down. When the auspicious
time comes, the transfer is rapidly made and in a single night, or at least in a
short space of time, the mushroom itself emerges from the ground, in the words
of Milton rising “like an exhalation,” raises itself aloft, expands its cap and
exposes its gills. We sometimes hear of a house being built in a day — more
•correctly speaking we should say erected in a day. Much labour over many
days has been spent in making the doors and fashioning the rafters and collecting
the materials. The mushroom may be erected in a day, but the materials used
in building it up have required weeks of constant incessant toil unseen,

it is with these finished products, the fruiting bodies of the fungi concerned,
that this Handbook deals. The more or less hidden mycelial strands of the
various kinds of the higher fungi differ not so very much from each other, and
are rarely compacted into definite masses or possess any special architecture.
With the fruiting bodies, however, it is different, and by the arrangements of
the parts, the colours, sizes, and shapes of the structures, the characteristics of
the spores and other features, the various species can be readily recognised and
described and their relationships with each other ascertained or con jectured.
Though individual variations may lie considerable, the factors in common render
the recognition of species possible to the mycologist who takes the pains to ascertain
and define them.

THE LARGER FUNGI

WHY STUDY THE HIGHER FUNGI?

A question that one must, be prepared to answer is, what is the use of the
study of these higher fungi? One may make the stereotyped reply that a full
consideration of the life history and t’he appearance and behaviour of any living
being is in itself well worth while, as helping us to know ourselves more fully,
and to appreciate our surroundings more clearly, as well as constituting a part
of the pursuit of knowledge, which in itself is deemed n sufficient justification.
Further, we may say that this is a harmless and engrossing holibv, fully capable of
keeping idle hands from mischief, and if you feel inclined that way, we are
here to guide you so that you may rapidly pass through the prentice stage, in
which discouragement mav arise. Apart, however, from the intrinsic interest
presented by these organisms, there are not a few aspects of practical
importance connected with them; the pursuit of specimens is a healthy exercise,
and many species are objects of high artistic, value both as regards form and
colour. Under the headings that follow, it will lie seen that such a study can
be made to serve a number of useful purposes.

THE USES OF THE HIGHER FUNGI.

The eating of the Common Mushroom (j PsalHota com pestris) is the only
general way in which in Australia any member of the higher fungi is put to
practical use. There are a number of other known edible species in Australia,
but those have been sampled only by the initiated or by immigrants from
Continental Europe, who recognised, or thought they recognised, species eaten
in the home land. The edible fungi will be dealt, with under a separate
heading.

In other parts of the world, and even in Australia, several species have been
found of service to man. Thus rotten wood, permeated by the mycelium of a
fungus, has been used for polishing the line parts of the highest grade of
f-hviss and French watches, though this has now been largely supplanted by
other methods. At one time "the best quality, which is soft and spongy and
vellowish-white in colour, cost a dollar a pound, and four thousand dollar’s
worth was used annually in Switzerland.’’

The ripe spores and short capillitium threads of the Giant Puffball ( Culvatkc
pi pant ru ) , a species that has been recorded for Australia, have been used as a
haemostatic for stopping the flow of blood from wounds. The statement has
been made that even spurting arteries may have the issuing blood rapidly
clotted by the application of this soft powder. Recently, in Adelaide, the
similar structures of Calvatkt Candida found growing at Kinehiua, near Murray
Bridge, were employed to try to stop the persistent oozing of blood from the
nose, all other methods of control being found of little value. No definite
success could, however, be attributed to this procedure.

For mounting such delicate insects as flies and mosquitoes for entomological
collections, pith is often employed, into which the delicate silver entomological
pin impaling the insect is inserted. The substance of a large thick milk-white
bracket fungus (Tra, metes lactinea ), common in New South Wales on dead trees,
has been found to be an excellent substitute. This material is pure white, soft,
but of close texture, and can be readily cut. to suitable sizes by means of a
razor.

Amadou, which seems to have been Fomes fomentarins and probably other
species, was in years gone by in common use as tinder. Dry specimens of some
of our bracket fungi, such as Polyporm eucalyptorum , will readily eatcli fire
from a small spark and smoulder away slowly. Razor strops have also been
made by cutting certain dried polypores into thin strips, fastening them to a
piece of wood and dusting the spore-bearing surface with siliceous earth. Quite
recently the Forestry Department in Queensland sent me some specimens of
bracket fungi, which proved to belong to two different species, (laiwdlcnnn
npplanatktm and Femes luvniU plmis, which were being used for making razor
strops.

Polyporm awtralicntfi, which has been found growing in New South Wales,
Flinders Island in Bass Straits, and South Australia, is when fresh rather
juicy, the juice being of a rich saffron-yellow eoloui and staining the fingers
and any other objects with which it comes in contact. On Flinders Island some
years ago use was made of this property for staining raffia fibre, with great
success.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

The spores of many of the puff-balls are spherical in shape and in the
neighbourhood of 1/5,000 of an inch in diameter. Some are perfectly smooth,
others rough. It sometimes happens that smooth spherical bodies of about this
size are required for some purpose and such fungi suggest a source that may
serve this end. Such small bodies offer much resistance to the downward pull
of gravity, and consequently fall relatively slowly. Bui lor has shown that the
spores, usually elliptical, of some agarics resembling the common mushroom fall
about an inch a minute in a perfectly still atmosphere. Any little disturbances
in the air, such as convection currents, blow the spores about in all directions,
so that in the air of an ordinary room spores may remain suspended probably
for hours, and some, instead of falling to the floor, may be found to have settled
cm pictures or the ventilators near the ceiling. During the great influenza
epidemic it was desired to know to what extent very minute dry particles might,
be inhaled into the lungs, particles represented by droplets of saliva or sputum
coughed into his surroundings by a patient suffering from the pneumonic form
of influenza. Such particles, containing perhaps the living virus of the disease,
would soon lose their moisture and, being very small, would like tobacco smoke
be wafted hither and thither by currents of air. Though the spores of puff-balls
were many times larger than these minute dried droplets of influenza spray, the
spores being easily recognisable were chosen to ascertain with wliat rapidity
minute particles could reach the deepest recesses in the lungs, the little terminal
spaces or alveoli where the work of oxygenating the blood is carried out. Tt is
held by many that the air in the utmost recesses is changed but slowly, and
consequently small particles are not likely to reach them by inhalation, becoming
glued to the mucus on the narrow passages leading to them. A monkey had a
puffball pinched in front of its nose and was killed within a minute of this
procedure. Even in this short space of time, a few spores had reached the alveoli
where they were microscopically recognised.

The spores of mushrooms have served detective purposes for public health ends.
Some years ago in Sydney, burnt almonds were exposed for sale in a shop window
in which mushrooms were also displayed. Specks on the sweets were believed
to be due to the excreta of cockroaches, which abounded. Mushroom spores were
recognised in the specks by their colour, shape, and size, and were also found in
the alimentary canal of the cockroaches. In consequence of this undesirably
deterioration of the food, the burnt almonds were seized and destroyed, even
though their consumption would not' have been likely to injure health, unless
these same cockroaches had had access also, as they might have had, to other
definitely deleterious materials.

The size, shape, and colour of the spores of any particular species are so
constant, uniform, and characteristic that it has been suggested that they might
be incorporated in an ink as a further protection against forgery as in the
Coprinvs “ink” used bv Bulliard and recommended by Boudier for this purpose.
It is also possible that they may be of use for police purposes. If a constable,
attempting to arrest several resisting men in a melee, could mark these persons
by discharging an “ink pistol” at them, the likelihood of their being captured,
when reinforcements arrived or before they could slink off to their haunts and
get rid of the clothes and wash themselves, would be increased. If the Indian
or other special ink employed was impregnated with particular fungus spores,
from different species for each police officer, then not only could the stain in the
clothing be recognised as a police stain, but the constable who had caused it
could he ascertained.

PINE SEEDLINGS AND FUNG'US GROWTH.

It is known that some plants, such as epiphytal orchids, are dependent, during
part of their development at least, on the association in their roots of fungus
hyphae with the orchid tissues. The fungi concerned in this process rarely
belong to the division with which we are dealing.* Simitar symbioses between
vascular plants and fungus hyphae occur in other families, such as the true
heaths, and have been described by the late Professor Lawson of Sydney in the
prothalli of the Lyeopodiaeeous genera TmefapterUt and Psilotim. The' nodules
in the roots of so many species of legumes, many of them Australian, are

* The Japanese Kusnno has found the hyphae o.f ArmilUn'in miellen associated with the
flowering- t-uher of the orchid (Utstrudio, elaUi BI. ,1. mvllett, the Honey-Fungus, a white-
spornl Agaric, is found in this and the other States. A species of rfitstrodio ’occurs in
Now Sotatll Wales.

THE LARGER H T NGI

similarly due to the association of bacteria with the plant tissues, the bacteria
fixing nitrogen from the air and so benefiting the plant. In our forests of
exotic species of Piuus, several unrelated species of fungi. Boletus lu tew,
Thflephora terrestris, and JthieopoffOn lutcolus, for example, may be found grow-
ing, and only in such situations (under or near species of Pinns). These fungi
are obviously introductions. They did not' occur in Australia before Europeans
introduced species of Finns. Probably the spores came here associated with the
seeds or on lumber or goods from overseas. Possibly they may have come
directly by the air, having been blown up in dust by winds, and finally acci-
dentally have descended in Australia in drops of rain and found awaiting them
the host they required. In Western Australia difficulty was experienced at times
in starting nurseries for pine seedling’s in new situations. As the result of general
observations from a wide angle, it was eventually thought that possibly one of
these species of fungi, Rliizupogon Intaolns was decided on, might’ he a lielp-meet
to, if not a necessity for, the pine seedling in establishing itsedf. The hyphae
of Ihe fungus, if was thought, might aid in some way the growth of the rootlets
of the plant and supply some food that was lacking. Rhisopogtm is quite
common in the loam of pine forests appearing as small irregularly spherical brown
bodies, usually about an inch in diameter, with thread-like strands of hyphae
stretching over the surface. They are usually found half-emerged from the
ground. By taking the mycelium, mingled with the pine-needles, and the fruiting
bodies from an old pine forest and distributing this materia] on the seed-beds,
the difficulty in establishing the nurseries was successfully overcome. These
results are suggestive that RMsopogon is of use to the young pine-plant, but as
yet it cannot he stated with certainty that such is the ease. The fleshy pore-
forming Boletus Ivteus, with a sticky cap like a yeast Inm and old-gold colored
pores underneath, has also been thought of as possibly playing a similar role.

FUNGI AS FOOD.

The actual food value of the higher fungi is probably practically negligible.
It is doubtful whether the proteids and other substances of mushrooms and their
edible allies can be broken down and assimilated to any appreciable extent by
mau or other mammals so as to he a source of energy to them. It should he
remembered, however, that the yeasts used in making bread and beer, which
•leasts are also fungi, are a fertile source of one of those accessory food sub-
stances, the vitamins, that though absorbed in only small quantities are never-
theless essential for proper development. The yeasts yield vitamin B in
abundance. It has recently been shown that the appalling infant mortality in
one of the phosphate-bearing Pacific islands was due to the lack of a. sufficient
intake of this vitamin. It. had previously been supplied by the drinking of
fermented cocoa-nut. juice. In the interests of the natives, the authorities had
suppressed the manufacture of this alcoholic beverage. Though offering manifest
advantages in certain directions, as an indirect result it became almost impossible
to rear children. When the cause of this was ascertained, the yeasts necessary
for the babies were supplied by growing them in another way. It is possible
that the small beer given to schoolboys several generations back may have
supplied them with abundant vitamin B, which supplemented a diet' possibly
rather meagre in some directions. It is doubtful, however, whether mushrooms
are likely to contain any appreciable amount of vitamin B.

This does not mean that mushrooms are probably without value as edible
substances. They are remarkably sapid and tasty, and in consequence make a
pleasant, appreciated, and withal innocuous change in the routine of meals, and
serve as a vehicle for the ingestion of more useful though less relished food-
substanccs. A tasty morsel stimulates salivary secretion by the sense of smell
and its modification savouriness — taste, a different sense, being confined to such
qualities its acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and saltness. Stimulation of the
mouth secretions loads secondarily to stimulation of gastric secretion to deal
with the insalivated food. So good digestion truly waits on appetite, and
appetite in turn on appreciated food suitably prepared and pleasantly served.
Our mushroom then serves this purpose more particularly, a purpose by no
means to he despised.

We possess probably a number of edible species besides the well-known
Common Field Mushroom (PsalUota pempestris) and its coarser larger relative
the Horse Mushroom ( PsalUota arvinsis), both of which are eaten readily by
us. Some of these other edible kinds are introduced species, known as being
eatable in other parts of the world, and often highly esteemed. Some of these

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

the writer lias eaten, though with much circumspection. It is very necessary to
use great caution, as in some eases poisonous kinds may closely resemble edible
ones. In a new country such as this, without an experience of many centuries
of ‘ 1 mushroom ' ’ tasting behind us, we might easily mistake an indigenous and
possibly poisonous species for a European innocuous kind, which it might possibly
closely resemble. Our own peculiarly Australian species will doubtless be tested
for edibility in the course of time. This testing will, however, not- be without
danger, and even the administration of them to animals, such as guinea-pigs,
rabbits, or even pigs, without harm does not necessarily imply that man can
consume them unhurt. The testing will therefore require great care, and should
not be attempted without a full appreciation of the dangers and a good know-
ledge of local mycology. Here we would emphasise the great importance of
no one eating any mushroom unless he is absolutely certain that it is the kind
he thinks it is, that it in no way departs from typical members of this kind,
and that it is not decayed, and has not been attacked by insects. For us this
practically means that the ordinary gatherer of mushrooms should see that wliat
he intends to eat consists of absolutely typical clean, fresh mushrooms. He
should discard any of which he lias the slightest doubt.

We may state here — and state emphatically — that there is no royal road for
distinguishing edible from poisonous species. Other kinds besides the field
mushroom have pellicles which can be peeled from the cap; others have a ring
on the stem. The tarnishing of a silver coin may furnish well-grounded suspicion,
but the lack of this does not necessarily connote innocuousness. A fungus whose
fiesli turns blue or green when sectioned would doubtless deter us from eating
it, but does not in itself denote danger.

In Australia, the Common Field Mushroom (PsaUiota campestris) is
extensively eaten. It is characterised by growing in grassy places, and also in
sandy soil, by its white -cap, often beset with thin brownish fibrils or scales, a
ring on the stem, and gills which arc bright pink even when young, becoming
purplish brown when old.

The larger, coarser Horse Mushroom ( Psalliota arvmsis) is also much eaten,
and many of the large mushrooms sold in the shops appear to be this species.
The gills when young are pallid whitish, and pass through a stage of a dingier
pink to become purplish brown in the end. There is a ring on the stem. The
mushrooms often grow in rings in fields or on hillsides. Unless the pink or
purplish-brown hue of the gills is definite, or the collector possesses an extensive
knowledge of our fungi, it is wise to discard any “mushrooms” which have
very pale gills.

Mushrooms in which the flesh or cap turns yellow on bruising ( Psalliota
xanthoderma) are not uncommon, growing under trees or bushes. The gills,

like those of the Horse Mushroom, are never a bright pink, but pass from
whitish to- dingy pink and then purplish-brown. I have eaten these, but the
species is said to- upset certain people.

Lcpiota naue.inat is said to be ail edible species. I am not aware of its having
been tried in Australia. It resembles somewhat a mushroom in being white
and having a ring on the stem and no cup or volvn at the base of the stem, but
the gills are white, and remain so.

The Parasol Mushroom or Agaric ( Lcpiota procera) grows amongst grass
under trees in our National Park and elsewhere. 1 have eaten it and found it
palatable. These Agarics have large caps, which are several inches across,
convex with an elevation or umbo in the centre, whitish, and clothed with
brownish scales, creamy white gills, not reaching the stem, a long rather thin
stem with a ring, often movable, on it (hence the name Parasol Mushroom),
and a soft' texture.

Several of the Coprini, winch have black or blackish spores and gills which
deliquesce as they mature, are edible. The only one I have eaten, and found
good, is Coprinns comatws. It has feen, found growing on a lawn in our Botanic
Gardens. It has a- fairly large cylindrical pilous, whitish and shaggv-scaly. The
gills are close, ascending, whitish, then pinkish, and finally blackish and deli-
quescing. The long stem has a movable ring on it. These mushrooms must, be
eaten before the gills change colour and become dark.

In Sydney I have eaten a small apricot-orange coloured agaric (a small
representative, apparently, of the edible European Cunt.harcttns cibarius) and a
similarly-coloured club-shaped Clavaria. CanthareUus is a genus characterised bv
thick, often forking, gills with obtuse edges. It is interesting that both of these
had not only an apricot colour but also an apricot taste.

THE LARGER PI NGI

Under introduced pine-trees, and only under or near such, members of a large
fleshy pore-bearing fungus (Boletus luteus ) may be found after rain. The
upper convex surface is brown and sticky when moist, the pores are yellow,
becoming old gold in colour, and there is often, but not always, a marked ring
on the stem. If not old, the soft' flesh, after removal of the cuticle and the pore-
bearing surface, is edible, but I have found it rather insipid.

The Puff-balls are said to be edible in the young stage when the substance
is white and before there is any change to yellow. I have eaten with caution
two kinds. These were cut into slices and both had a taste very like cheese
fritters. One of these was the common Lyeoprrdcm depressum which tends to
grow in rings, is rather top-sliaped in appearance, and on section shows a kind of
diaphragm in the middle separating a cellular basal half from the upper portion,
which turns yellow and becomes changed into the dust-like spores. The other
was a large species, two or three inches in diameter, which at the time of eating
I thought was a Calvatia, a large kind of Puffball which when mature disin-
tegrates, and so lets the spores escape instead of these emerging through a
definite aperture as in Lycoperdon. The Calvatias are said to be edible in tire
white stage. It turned out that the species 1 ate was the white young stage of
M ycenastrium < oriurn , a species in which the mature leathery peridium or outer
covering splits irregularly to let the fuscous brown spores, etc., escape.

The Beefsteak Fungus ( FistuHna hepatica) has been found twice in South
Australia, growing on fallen logs at Mount Lofty. The name is derived from
the appearance of the cut surface. The under surface consists of tubes which
are separable from each other. It is said to lie edible.

The Jew's Ear Fungus ( TJirniola or Aurimlaria . auricuIa-Judae ) is abundant
in New Zealand, whence many thousand pounds’ worth of it have been exported
into China for eating purposes, apparently on account of its mucilaginous
characters. It grows on old trunks in New South Males. In shape it somewhat
resembles a very dark ear. When In Sydney 1 had some cooked lot a long time,
but found it in the end still tough and leathery.

Amongst the Aseomycetes, Morels ( M orchidia ) are found occasionally in this
State. I have eaten them on one occasion.

THE PREPARATION OF MUSHROOMS FOR FOOD,

Any decaying or insect-eaten mushrooms should be discarded, as well as any
that are not typical. They should have been gathered as free from sand and
soil as possible', the stems being cut through a little way below the cap. Peel the
mushrooms and cut tile stem oil' short. Then wash well in salt and water. The
mushrooms may now be dealt with in various ways, either for eating directly
or for making into ketchup. They may also be dried, and thus kept for later
use in flavouring dishes, but if so do not wash them in the salt and water before
drying — they should be exposed to the sun or dried in a draught on a stove or
before a fire in such a way that the moisture in them is soon evaporated and
they become neither sodden and partly cooked nor decomposed during the process.
Tliev should be stored in a dry place.

It is not proposed to give a series of recipes for preparing mushrooms for
eating. For such Mrs. Beeton should be consulted, where some sixteen different
ways of using them are given, from ketchup to mushroom patties, and for baking,
boiling, stewing, pickling, or stuffing them, A simple method is to fiy^ the mush-
rooms gently in a little butter for twenty minutes or till cooked. Then add a
little milk, thicken with flour, bring to the boil, and serve on toast with bacon if
liked.

POISONING BY TOADSTOOLS.

Owing to the fact that fungi, with the exception of the common well-known
and fairly characteristic mushroom, are hardly consumed at all by Australians,
instances of illness due to poisoning by some other species have been few and
fatalities still fewer. The Australian of British origin does not readily depart
from the tradition handed down to him— that most fungi are poisonous. On
the continent of Europe many different kinds of toadstools and mushrooms are
consumed and many are found to be delicious. The peoples of Central Europe
know the edible kinds and avoid the injurious. Such persons coming out to
Australia see in the autumn abundant nmshvoom-like fungi, some of which mar
In identical with those they knew in their homeland, and others, though really

of sonH At sTHALi a.

different, may seem superficially to be kinds familiar to them. Snell persons
are probably apt to make mistakes and ingest fungi here which are poisonous,
believing them to he the same as edible species in the country from which they
ciune.

Mushrooms of various kinds, Boleti for instance, have been considered delicacies
from Roman times. Sometimes deliberately, sometimes in error, poisonous species
have been included in (he dish and have led to fatal results. Pope Clement VII. ,
two Emperors, King Charles VI. of France, one of the Czars of Russia, and the
family of the great poet Euripides, are considered to have been victims of mush-
room poisoning. In some countries of Europe the deaths have been estimated
as high as 100 or more annually. Numbers of deaths have also' been recorded in
Japan and in the United States. It will thus be seen that where fungus-eating,
or mycophagy, is prevalent, a considerable mortality may result through mistakes
being made.

In considering poisoning by toadstools one has to consider several aspects.
Some kinds may be looked upon as being more unwholesome than actually
poisonous, or may be found unwholesome for one person and not for another.
By ‘‘unwholesome - ’ one means that they give rise to discomfort by proving
indigestible, the discomfort being relieved by vomiting. Some persons can
probably eat and enjoy certain kinds, whilst others are more sensitive and reject
the food .just as they might an indigestible morsel. The horse mushroom
(PanaUiota amen sis) is said to be unwholesome for some people, though it is
eaten with relish by others.

Another group of cases may possibly represent what Is termed “ sensitization.”
Some persons, for instance, cannot eat strawberries, or porridge, or oysters, or
some other particular food without feeling discomfort and developing some areas
Of urticaria (nettle rash). Some people may develop attacks of asthma as the
result of some particular food that has been ingested, or even as a result of
inhaling dandruff from a horse in some cases, or material from feathers in
feather pillows in other instances. So we may find a particular individual
susceptibility to the common mushroom or to some other species edible to the
majority. Persons showing this idiosyncrasy will probably show it to other
substances as well and he liable to attacks of nettle-rash, asthma, or hay fever
from such various causes.

Coming to true poisoning by ■mushroom-like toadstools, we find that in other
parts of the world the majority of the cases have been due either to poisoning
by Amanita plnilloUlc, s, the “death-cup fungus,” or “white amanita’’ or “the
destroying angel,” or to poisoning by Ai manita mmcaria, the “fly agaric,” with
its scarlet warty cap. The poisons of these two species are quite distinct and
each is very characteristic. In addition there are a number of examples of
miscellaneous kinds of poisoning due evidently to definite toxic substances of
unknown nature found in particular species. Though no known instances of
poisoning by Amanita phalloides have hitherto been recorded in Australia it is
advisable that the symptoms should he detailed as the species probably occurs
and eases may eventually arise. The fly agaric has been found in various parts
of Australia, though as yet no known instances of poisoning by it have occurred.

Poisoning by Amanita phalloides *. — Amanita phalloides is a large fungus
measuring Sin. to Sin. across with an umber brown or smoky olive cap, free gills,
an ample white ring in the upper part of the stem, and a tall sturdy stem with a
loose volva or cup at its base. The ring and the volva with the white gills and
white spores indicate that the fungus belongs to the genus Amanita. Tt is wise
to avoid absolutely all species having such a volva or cup at their base. It is
true that some species of Amanita are edible, but others, as this one, are very
poisonous, and so far in Australia no one has as yet experimented with our
Amanitas.

Very small quantities of Amanita phalloides may cause death. A child of
ten died from eating raw a third of the top of a small plant, and two children
after taking some of the juice soaked in bread. The mortality has been placed
as high as 60 to 100 per cent'. After ingestion there is usually a stage of from
6 to 15 hours, usually more than 10, in which little or no discomfort is felt.
There is then sudden extreme abdominal pain, cramp-like in nature, with vomiting
and with diarrhoea of undigested food with blood and mucous discharges soon

*The accounts which follow of poisoning- by AnuvnUn phntloide^ and by A. musettria
have been condensed from Dr. (). E. Fischer’s 'article on “Mushroom Poisoning” in C. H.
Kauffman’s “The Agaricaceae of Michigan.”

TI1B LARGER FUNGI

becoming like rice water. There is an intense thirst, the urine is suppressed,
and there is perspiration and sleeplessness, with great nervous restlessness and
weakness. Muscular spasms may cause severe pain. The urine does not become
tinged with the colouring matter of the blood. Within a few days jaundice and
blueness, and coldness of the extremities, are followed by profound unconscious-
ness and death. Towards the end there may be eye-symptoms, the pupils varying
in size, and convulsions may occur, though rarely. Death may take place within
48 hours if large quantities have been eaten, or if they have not been thoroughly
cooked. The usual course of the disease is from 4 to (i days in children, and from
s to III in adults. No antidote is known. Kinetics, the stomach tube and purga-
tions should be employed as soon as danger is suspected to get rid of as much
of the unabsorbed fungus as possible. Milk (raw or boiled) should be
given. Normal salt solution (about a teaspoonful of salt to a pint of water)
may be given by the bowel to relieve the thirst. Strong coffee and hot dry
applications, with digitalis and camphor suhcutnueously, may all be of service.
The pain may have to be relieved as well as the cramps. Cyanosis may call for
oxygen inhalation. Transfusion of blood has been suggested.

The nature of the poisonous substance is uncertain. There would appear to
be two constituents — one is a haemolytic agent and is capable of dissolving out
the haemoglobin from the red cells of various mammals. This haemolytic agent,
apparently a glucoside, is very sensitive to heat, to small traces of acid, and to
the digestive ferment in the stomach, and therefore probably plays no part in
tin' poisoning of man. The essential poison, the Amanila toxin, will resist heat,
drying, and the digestive juices. It apparently is not a glucoside or an alkaloid.

Poisoning by Amanita muscaria. — Poisoning by the fly agaric is quite distinct
from that due to A maiiitit pholhndcs. This toadstool lias a bright scarlet cap covered
with broad white warts, and cannot be readily mistaken for one of the edible
kinds, and certainly in no wav resembles the common mushroom. ThetrP is
usually only a short interval, half to one hour, or perhaps a little longer, before
the symptoms develop. If the specimens are small, live or six hours may elapse.
There is excessive salivation and perspiration, a flow of tears, the throat feels
constricted, and there are nausea, retching, vomiting, and watery diarrhoea.
The pulse is usually slow and irregular, the pupils small. The patients become
dyspnoeic. the bronchi, being filled with mucus. There is usually some giddiness,
with confusion id' ideas, and occasionally hallucinations. Delirium, violent con-
vulsions, and loss of consciousness may follow. When recovery takes place it
does so rapidly in two or three days.

The active principle is known as mm'Carin. it is probably a, complex ammonia
derivative and not an alkaloid as was at first thought. In the symptoms it
produces it is almost the direct antithesis of atropine and consequently this
drug is an antidote. The ticatmcnt is to get rid of the peccant material as
quickly as possible hr means of emetics, or washing out the stomach; the
vomiting ami diarrhoea themselves, of course, readily aid this. In spite, how-
ever, of the vomiting and diarrhoea both emetics and purgatives should be
given, as fragments of the fungus are often found in the alimentary canal
even though there has been profuse vomiting. 11 is necessary to sustain the
patient's strength as far as possible and supply warmth. Atropine is not

medically indicated in every ease.

Other Species. — There are a number of other instances of poisoning by various
kinds of toadstools with a good deal of variation in the symptoms. In Australia
very few records of cases exist. In 1869 a child is said to have been poisoned at
Newcastle by a toadstool the size of a crown piece, but no details arc furnished,
and death may have been due to some other cause. Dr. P. M. Johnston ( Inter •
colonial Medical Journal, ]907, p. 399) has recorded a fatal case of “mush-
room'’ poisoning. A hoy aged six, together with four other members of the
family, had eaten a number of mushrooms gathered in Albert Park, Melbourne,
between 10 and 11 one morning. They were eaten at 9 o'clock the next morning.
An hour and a half afterwards this boy began vomiting, which continued off
and on during the day. Early next morning his relatives were roused by his
noisy breathing. Dr. Johnston, when called in shortly afterwards, found him
lying mi his back, breathing noisily but not stertorously. He was comatose,
the eyes were open, the pupils contracted, and the corneal conjunctiva was
insensitive. There was no squint. The face was pallid and dusky; the lips
blackish. Clonic convulsions occurred in the limbs; the arms were strongly
adducted, the forearm supinated, the wrist flexed, and the lower limbs rigidly

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

extended. The patella, reflex was obtained in the interval between the con-
vulsions. The thorax was full of noisy rales. The abdomen was flat and soft,
the extremities cool but not cold. There was no rigidity, nor was there any
opisthotonos. Treatment was by a rectal injection of brandy and hot. water,
the injection of atropine, and the inhalation of nitrite of amyl, all of which
proved ineffective. Ur. Johnston attributed death, to paralysis of the respiratory
centre and of the heart. Since other members of the family were unaffected,
and this child had previously eaten .mushrooms without experiencing any undue
symptoms, he came to the conclusion that the patient, iiad eaten the one
poisonous fungus on the dish, probably an Amanita. He alternatively suggested
that an Agasricus eampestris, the common mushroom, growing on some foul
medium and absorbing poison therefrom or being attacked itself by some
parasite (Hutchinson) might be the cause. The mushrooms had not been kept
long enough to undergo any fermentative process aiding in the production of
some ptomaine.

During J914 two instances were reported in the daily press of poisoning
from fungi, believed at the time to be the common mushroom. At Pinkenba,
near Brisbane, seven men were taken ill after having eaten steak and “mush-
rooms” for breakfast. Stomach pumps were used at the hospital, and all were
well enough to leave in the afternoon. In May, two men lost their lives near
Moora, on the Midland Railway, in Western Australia, through mistaking some
poisonous agaric for the “mushroom.” Their ages were AS and 127. About
1 p.m. these two and a mate ate the “mushrooms.” Shortly after all three
complained of pains in the stomach. During the night, one died, and the second
succumbed about 9.20 next, morning. The third recovered.

In May, 1922, near Mount Gambier, a little boy of three years became ill
after eating mushrooms and died next day. The symptoms manifested have
not been recorded. It is possible that some poisonous toadstool was incorporated
amongst the mushrooms by mistake. From time to time reports have been
furnished of persons becoming ill after eating mushrooms, usually ones found
growing under trees in the Mount. Gambier district. Those found in such
situations are considered by some local residents to be distinctly unwholesome.
A communication from Dr. Burnard, of Mount Gambier, elicited the following
information: — The majority of the mushrooms in the district are big and coarse,
and most of the trouble seems to be purely indigestion on account of this
coarseness and toughness. These mushrooms grow in the open fields sometimes
in the form of large rings. The various medical men in Mount Gambier knew
of no eases of definite mushroom poisoning through these mushrooms, though
Dr. Hawkins thought lie had been poisoned by them with symptoms of an
influenzal type. The trouble in every case seemed chiefly due to indigestion.
The mushrooms found growing under pino trees, he says, arc usually “wormy,”
that is, infested with the maggots of certain flies. It is possible that if such
wormy mushrooms are eaten they may be more liable to give rise to trouble.

Some species of toadstool give, rise to a kind of intoxication. A former
colleague of mine told me how Ms parents ate once a dish of mushrooms, and
as the meal progressed they gradually became more and more hilarious, the
most simple remark giving rise to peals of laughter. The intoxication passed
oft without any unpleasant effects. Probably some poisonous kind had been
included, possibly one of the dung-inhabiting species.

HIGHER FUNGI AS INJURIOUS AGENTS.

Apart from the poisoning of human beings through eating by mistake an
injurious species of “mushroom” or toadstool, t lie higher fungi nmv lend in
other ways to financial loss. The most important of these affect forestry and tin.
timber trade. The mvcelia of bracket fungi growing on living forest trees
permeate the subjacent heart-wood perhaps for a. considerable distance. This
renders it necessarily unfit as timber. The forester, seeing such a bracket fungus,
will recognise at once that the wood of the affected tree will be more or less
damaged, depending on the species concerned. It may, in fact, be quite useless,
and not only so but the tree with its fungus parasite may be a danger to other
trees. \\ lien the bracket forms and its spores are liberated, some of these may
effect an entrance into other neighbouring healthy trees. As fresh brackets are
formed periodically, the forester notes the trees affected and lias them cut down
as a precautionary measure. In this State the common Australian punk, Polyporus

THE LARGER FCNGI

cuealyptorum, which often grows on Stringy bark (Kucttl yptus ohliqua) is unques-
tionably destructive. Fount’s robust us and F. riinoxtis, hard yellowish -brown
bracket fungi, grow on a number of species of living Eucalvpts and are also
dangerous. Ganoderma apphtmium, growing on trees near their butts, usually
as a broad but rather thin horizontal plate, is by no means common, but probably
enn do some harm. /’. Sctiveinitzii has been found once near Kuitpo Forest at
the base of a free, and elsewhere is recognised as a dangerous species.

Lumber gives a number of fungi an opportunity for establishing themselves
as saprophytes. The logs may become infected by the spores or by direct
extension of mycelium from near-by refuse or infected wood, and this may occur
either in the forest or in the timber yards. Thus is emphasised the necessity
for propliyluet ive sanitation in both situations — adequate destruction of litter and
infected wood, proper storage, etc. The fungi will grow especially well in the
sap-wood and Im rk and require, of course, dampness to enable them to flourish.
A number of species probably play a minor role in this connection. Eucalyptus
telegraph poles, erected with the sap-wood on, are especially liable to deteriorate
from fungus invasion. Much of this is probably due to the lower fungi, but
Poli/slictus versicolor, a species with thin brackets, velvety and zoned above with
browns and greys and with cream-coloured pores on the under-surface, lias been
seen growing frequently on telephone poles in Sydney and once in South Aus-
tralia. Tramctls ochroieucus, a small hoof-shaped thick pale bracket-fungus, may
help to disintegrate posts and rails. Occasionally the red T ramctCs cintiabari ua
and the effused Irpex obliqmis may be found on neglected timber. The most
serious results follow the infection of building timber, either as lumber or when
in. situ. The dangerous “dry-rot” fungus, Mnulius Inchrymans, forming an
extensive mycelium and eventually a yellow-ferruginous spore-bearing surface,
lias been found once in this State on damp wood in a. hot-house. Some of the-
llvdnaceae mav probably act in a similar way. Fortunately our relatively dry
climate does not favour the growth of these saprophytes in positions where they
may do harm.

.InnWaria mcllro, the Honey Fungus, is quite common in our hills. Its hyphae
form cords, rhizomorplis, which encircle the roots of trees and so stop the flow of
sap. X o definite losses have been traced to this species in South Australia, though
doubtless some forest trees have suffered. In other States, such as \\ estern
Australia, fruit trees such as oranges and even garden plants (roses, for instance)
have been stunted or killed by this fungus. The trouble has usually occurred in
newly -cleared forest land or round the edge of a forest clearing. The danger of
leaving stumps and roots behind to act as a nursery for the fungus is obvious.

Occasionally the red Tm nudes einmibarina or Polyst ictus versieO'lpr may be
found growing on dead parts of fruit trees. Though not truly parasitic, they
probably do some harm to the living part of the tree through the alternate
swelling' and shrinkage of their hyphae from the rain. Stereuin pu r /rure-tt ni ,
which causes “silver-leaf” of plums, has not yet been found \\ i tli eeitaiuty in
A ust ralia.

FUNGI AND ART.

Anyone who lias seen displayed the results of an autumn day s gathering of
various species of fungi from our Mount Lofty Ranges will at once be struck
by the beautiful shapes and the wonderful range and combinations of colours
manifested amongst them. The sight is usually both new and surprising new
because it so frequently happens that we see on our rambles only what we are
looking for, it mav be a view, flowers, rocks, or butterflies, and also because we
see the toadstools removed from their natural surroundings in which they are move
or less “camouflaged” — surprising on account of the unusual elegance of some,
the bold vet pleasing contrasts of colours in others. The artistic eye seizes on
the opportunity thus presented. The subject lends itself to designs for painting
on china, and some very beautiful work has been done in this way in Sydney by
Miss Phyllis Clarke '(now Mrs. North) from watercolours prepared, from
specimens in rav collection. The colour combinations, so bold yet never clashing,
suggest their use in the designing of ladies’ dresses and perchance parasols.

OF SOl'TH A I STKA LI \ .

•J1

THE LOCALITIES AFFECTED BY THE DIFFERENT

SPECIES.

Tlit 1 larger fungi, and in fart the more microscopic forms as well, are often
strictly confined to a particular habitat. We all know this practically when
gall lering the common field mushroom for the table. As ils name implies, we
find it in the open fields or in open sandy places. If we find a plant resembling
it but growing under bushes or amongst trees in a forest, we usually diseanl it
through being doubtful as to its nature. Not only does such a mushroom differ
slightly from the field one in general architecture, but we may note that the gills
do not go through a vivid pink stage or that the flesh when broken may show
yellowish stains. In other words, these plants belong to closely allied species oi
I’salliota, species which are it is true in most cases edible also, though liable to
upset certain people.

Fields and Grassy Places. — The fungi that grow in fields and grassy places
in South Australia are not numerous, though more or less distinctive to such
situations. If we walk through our parklands in autumn soon after the first
rains we may find the common mushroom, one delicate Lrpiotn, a Tubaria, and
a few others. On the grassy hillsides, we may find in addition some larger species.
Thus there is Collybia rachicatd, a very beautiful fungus, with a rounded to plane,
shining, dark chocolate brown cap, contrasting when picked with the snow-white,
widely separated gills, supported on an unusually long whitish striate stem which,
as is implied by the name, passes deeply into the ground by a long rooting portion.
A large fleshy ( ollybia (('. abut tjm fen ), with a cap several inches in diameter,
with a smoky brown to umber cap and smoky brown stem may be found amongst
grass. Growing in compacted groups, with their irregular caps barely raised
from the ground owing to the shortness of the stem, is a taniiv brown Clitocybf
(<'. flaccida var. Isobatu ), Several pale buff species of this genus, some of which
become whitish when, dry, also occur in fields, and a greyish species (0. paraditopa)
has a strong smell of wattle blossom.

The Forests of the Mount Lofty Ranges. — One of the places- that yields the
greatest abundance of species is the quartzite formation of the upper parts of
the Mount Lofty Ranges, with its forest trees, fallen timber, undergrowth, and
sandy loam. Here we have a variety of habitat's — the living trees, their bases,
the fallen trunks, the rotting twigs and fallen leaves wrapped often in a very
moist environment under bushes, and the soil itself. On the living Kuculypt trees
we may find bracket fungi belonging to the polvpores as well as a few agarics,
It will be noted that, to enable the spores to fall vertically out of the tubes in
the polypores or from the gill plates in the agarics, the fruiting bodies are either

laterally attached without any stem at all, or have a short quite lateral stem, or

a larger curved stem eccentrically attached to the cap so as to allow of the latter
assuming a horizontal position. However, in the ease of , species of Corticium
and similar fungi, with a smooth spore-bearing surface, and some kinds of Poria
with very shallow tubes, the fungi are merely as it were plastered on the side
of the tree, as the spores can so easily fall out and be blown away.

The Fungi on Living Forest Trees. — After the first heavy autumnal rains
high up and usually quite out of reach and growing from a decayed area or the
sear of a dead branch, may be seen a large whitish-looking mass. This is

PoH/poru.1 euoalyptonm. It may reach a foot or more in width and is several

inches thick. When fresh it is heavy, moist, and fleshy -tough. The upper surface
lias a pallid crust with a brownish tinge, the substance is thick and pure white,
and the short' tubes form a thin hymeuial surface of a beautiful yellow colour.
Tin- bracket is rapidly attacked by the larvae of beetles, whose food supply it
constitutes. These riddle it through and through so that when it has dried, it
appeal's like a white sponge-work from which a powdery substance escapes when
handled, the separated remains of the beetles’ food. Its detachment from tha
trunk has probably by now taken place, so that the mass is found near the base
of the tree. It is the familiar substance we call “punk’’ in Australia, and
smoulders like tinder when a match is applied, the burning being very slow if
not. insect-eaten, more rapid if an open sponge-work. This, like other large
bracket fungi found on living trees, tells a tale. The tree, as a yielder of timber,
is valueless. Its dry heart-wood is permeated, perhaps for many feet, by the
mycelial threads of the fungus, causing rotting. Many years ago, from a fungus
bracket, on another tree, a spore had alighted on the scar of a dead branch or
in a cleft or at an injured spot. This later had germinated, and its threads had

THE LARGER FKXGI

pdiietYated gradually into the old heart-wood, and once established there spread
up and down, causing decay. The fungus fed on the old wood and gradually
stored up a reserve stock of food material in its threads, preparatory to pushing
out from some area, where it had reached the surface, a dense mass of hypliae
compacted to form the bracket. From this develop spores in millions, one of
which may perchance lodge in a suitable environment and reproduce the species.
Once the fungus lias grown sufficiently in the interior of the tree to produce a
bracket, it will keep on doing so under suitable weather conditions probably
annually. Some species may form several brackets, bursting out of different’
parts of the trunk. Others, like Polyporus euoalyplomm, seem to exhaust them-
selves after the first heavy rains in one supreme effort, and no more fruit bodies
will appear till the next autumn. Meanwhile the mycelium is at work, laying up
the food material necessary for the next year’s fruit.

On stringy -bark trunks, in the Mount Lofty Ranges, a rather soft bracket-
fungus, Poly poms ntroliispiclm, with a brown hairy upper surface and pale
tubes, turning brownish when bruised, is not uncommon. Several of our
l-lucalypts and the Sheoak ( Camarina stricifi Ait.) may bear, a few feet up
the trunk, hard woody hoof-shaped gilvous- brown brackets of Fames robustus
and F. rvmosux. As already mentioned, the hoof-shaped or plate-like large
brown Qanoderma applawxtum and the stalked Polyporus Soliwevniteii have been
occasionally found at or near the bases of living trees.

The agaric Myoena siibgaleriC'iilata, with conical olive-brown caps and
long whitish stems, grows in dense caespitose clusters from interstices between
the bark on the trunks of stringy -bark Kucal.vpts at Mount Lofty. There are
Other agarics and polypores of less common occurrence on some of our living
trees.

Sand Dunes. — Even such a seemingly inhospitable habitat as shifting sand,
either along the coast-line or in the interior, may yield a few species not found
elsewhere. A Naueorki, a Psihcybe, and a Coprinus have all been found grow-
ing in such a situation.

The Dung-Inhabiting Fungi. — Fungi, growing in cow or horse-dung and con-
fined to such habitats, must, in the case of Australia, all belong to introduced
species. The dejecta of our native animals .are so unlike cow or horse-dung
in texture, and probably composition, that it would lie unlikely that a species,
originally strictly confined to such material, would be able to develop on that
of these introduced domestic animals. Moreover, few species have yet been
collected on the dung of native animals. As, then, these dung-loving species
have been imported, it almost necessarily follows that they have been observed
and described from other parts of the world. Nevertheless, though it is easy
to place most’ of these species, in the case of several we have been much puzzled
to find descriptions that accord with the plants found here.

Stropharia semifflobata ( S . stercorarta) is common. This species has a
yellow-brown viscid cap, a long stem with a ring on it, and broad greenish-
black gills. The cap in S. scmiglobatco is described as hemispherical, and remains
so, whilst in 8. sterewaria it expands later. Wo seem to have both of these,
and, if so, there seems to be no real specific difference between them.
Htropharin mrrdaria grows near dung, and sometimes on it; the colour is
browner than that of S. semiglobala, the cap more expanded, the gills less deep,
the stem not so long, and the ring usually indistinct. Two or three species of
PsUoeybe grow on dung; these are darker coloured and more delicate, w%tb
long slender stems. Pameolw relirugis is very common ; the cap is hemi-
spherical-conical, the colour greyish, drying paler; there are anastomosing vein-
like elevations on the cap, the gills arc clouded grey, and the stem is long and
slender. Several species of Coprinus, with their deliquescing gills, are found
on dung only. C. sterquilinus is fairly large, with a small but definite cup or
volva at the base of the stem. C. nivern is rather small and pure white (except,
the gills) and shaggy. A brown-gilled Galera also grows on dung and on
manured straw a. larger agaric, a species of liolbitius, with a. viscid cap and
brown sub-deliquescent' gills, is not uncommon.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

2 :!

FUNGI AND BUSH FIRES.

Certain species of our fungi are only found fruiting after the country has
been burnt by bush-tires. This statement is probably not strictly correct. One
should perhaps say that as yet they have only been found on recently-burnt
country. It is probable that the fruiting bodies do occasionally develop with-
out the aid given by a previous fire.

In sandy soil, often in niallee country, with the first rains after a fire, we
may find tin' stone-building fungus, Polpporus baailnpiloitles, called Laeeo-
crphatum ba&Uapiloidrs by its original describers, the late .T. Ci. (). Tepper, of
Adelaide, and the late D. Mi-Alpine, tin* veteran mycologist, of Melbourne. This
has a large yellowish-brown firm cap, with raised lines, whitish pores, and a long
stem passing below in the soil to a core of mycelium and sand, which, if traced
down for several inches, will be found to arise from a firmer compact mass of
mycelium, a sclerotium.

Another polvpore, Polyporus tumvliosus, also appears, with the first autumnal
rains, in recently burnt sandy stringy-bark country, such as at Mount Lofty and
nearKuitpo. This has a yellowish-brown smooth cap, with a very short stem above
ground, so that the fruit-body is only slightly raised above the soil, and is often
sand-besprinkled. On tracing the stem downwards, a larger portion is found to
be buried, and this passes soon into a thick cord of compacted mycelium and
sand, finally ending in a large ball of similar structure encased in a thin,
brittle, darker layer. So far, this species has only been found after recent
fii'cs; it occurs in this State, in Xew South Wales, and in Tasmania.

In similar burnt sandy country, as near Kuitpo, scratcbings made by rabbits
and marsupials may be seen, and near these empty sand -impregnated husks
the size of walnut shells. If we dig up the soil round the scratching with a
trench-tool or trowel, we may find some unopened examples of the fungus from
which these came. They are only a few inches under the soil, are rounded, the
size of a marble to a walnut, rough and covered with sand grains. When cut
in two, they are found to have an outer husk, separated front a firm compact
pale central core the size of a pea, bv a mass of greyish powdery spores, a few
firm strands passing between the husk and the core. This fungus is an under-
ground puff-ball, a species of Mesophdlia, M. pachythrix. When fresh, it 1ms
a very strong characteristic pungent-aromatic smell, and it is presumably this
that has attracted animals to it. Apparently the core is eaten and the husk
discarded, the spores being freely liberated in the process, and some doubtless
swallowed, and perhaps still further distributed in the dung. The fungi do
not naturally ever reach the surface, and it is probable that any increase in
their distribution is dependent on their being grubbed up by animals. Once a
spore lias established itself and grown, the mycelium spreads in the soil and
finally produces fruit-bodies at various points, and may do so over many years.
Wallabies, bandicoots, and apparently rabbits all scratch for these fungi. It
would be interesting to try the pig, so well known in Europe as a hunter for
truffles, which are also underground fungi though not related to these Australian
plants. Our native animals and rabbits do not seem particularly successful in
their searching, as often though some have been eaten others are found intact
in the soil quite close to the scratching. In Tasmania, with Mr. L. Bodwav,
we dug ii]} numbers of Mesophcllia arenaria and of the allied Castoreuru
> adiealum and C. lasmanicum, near bandicoot scratcbings in burnt soil, and we
found that quite often the animals had actually scratched up the puff-ball and
yet had not noticed it, or at least had left it intact. The fleshy-firm central
core I found rather tough and possessed of the strong pungent-aromatic taste.

Near the Mesophcllia at Kuitpo, we have found Castor eum cretaceum.
< asloreum resembles Mesophcllia but has no central core. This peculiar species,
as it matures, reaches the surface when the outer yellowish-brown covering
splits to form a deep saucer-shaped receptacle, toothed along the rim, in which
lies the mass of spores encased in a thin covering. The opened fungus looks
like a little Geaster or earth-star.

THE LARGER F1XG1

THE LARGER FUNGI EATEN BY MAMMALS, INSECTS,
AND OTHER ANIMALS.

Till' fungi, such as mushrooms, deliberately eaten by man as food, or perhaps
more correctly as a food relish, have already been considered. The present section
deals with those eaten by grazing mammals, with those searched for and consumed
on account of their possessing a smell attractive to certain animals, and with
fungi visited by slugs, eaten by beetles and bugs, or forming a breeding ground
for insect larvae or a suitable situation for the concealment or protection of
minute forms of animal life.

Do Farm Animals eat Mushrooms or other Fungi? — To ascertain whether man's
domesticated animals ever fed upon mushrooms or toadstools as found in our
pastures, and if so with what after-effects (if any), an inquiry directed to
farmers and others was instituted at my suggestion by the Agricultural Bureau
of South Australia. A number of replies were received from various branches
and, as might have been expected, the answers supplied were diverse. The ques-
tions asked were whether mushrooms or toadstools were eaten by cattle, horses,
sheep, oi- swine, and if so, whether they sought them out and ate them with
relish. Inquiry was also made as to any ill-effects attributed to such eating.
In the majority of cases no information was available, from which it may be
inferred that the eating by sueli animals of mushrooms or toadstools was at
least not a common or usual event. Occasional animals had been seen to ingest
them, apparently accidentally. Now and again certain cattle had been seen to
eat them with relish and even to seek mushrooms out. In the case of a cow that
used to eat mushrooms, the milk was said to be unfit for drinking. A dairyman
at \\ oudside, after collecting a number of mushrooms, put them under a fence;
during his absence collecting more, a cow ate the lot without ill-effects; he had
often seen the remains of mushrooms that cows had been at. Sheep have been
seen eating mushrooms. One observer had noted sheep eating both mushrooms
and toadstools when small, and stated that when too many were eaten a “break”
in the wool occurred. Large numbers of mushrooms have been gathered where
sheep have been pastured, showing that the mushrooms are not usually eaten by
sheep. Mushrooms when plentiful had in two cases been fed to pigs 'with other
food, and eaten without ill-effects, though one observer said without relish.
Other recorders say that pigs refuse to touch them. Fowls had also been seen
eating- mushrooms occasionally. An answer from the MacGillivray branch stated
that wild (feral) pigs and kangaroos arc very fond of toadstools and will root
or scratch them up before they are through the ground. As MacGillivray is on
Kangaroo Island, where an underground “puff-ball ’ (MesBphellia) is common,
is highly scented, and is scratched for by small marsupials, the reference is
probably to this species. In one instance only had a liorse been seen eating
mushrooms, which it did, apparently, with relish.

The following possible ill-effects were recorded. Between Naraeoorte and
Lucindale some 10 or 12 years ago, 40 or 50 sheep were lost in a paddock, in
which ware many toadstools. A dog was noticed in an adjacent, paddock eating
a toadstool. It died not very long afterwards. The sheep were moved to a
piaddoek free from toadstools and no more deaths occurred.

Ja one instance five pigs ate toadstools and died. The Honorary Secretary of
the Allendale East Branch had seen cattle eating toadstools and later found one
of his best cows dead with her paunch distended and froth coming from her mouth,
which result he attributed to such toadstools. These were the only examples of
possible injurious results elicited by these inquiries.

From time to time unexpected deaths in horses and other animals have had
to be investigated, and when such occurrences have taken place in autumn, the
possibility of their being due to the accidental eating of some poisonous agaric
has been suggested, but not seriously entertained. It might be thought that
such species as Striipharia semifflobata, Paibacol'Us retirugis, and -members of
the genera Psilocybe and Coprinm, that grow on cow-dung and horse-manure,
would be frequently eaten accidentally by animals cropping the surrounding grass.

I have not seen evidence of this, but it seems almost certain that the spores
from such species, produced by the million, become deposited on the surrounding
vegetation and so get ingested. They probably pass through the alimentary canal
intact — it is quite likely that their germinating power may be increased during
the passage — and so the dung is already seeded by the spores when it is passed.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

This would account more satisfactorily for the facility with which manure develops
a crop of fungi than by looking to chance distribution of the Spores by air after
deposition of the manure.

The true truffle, an underground edible fungus belonging- to the Ascomycet.es,
may be found by means of pigs which, presumably attracted by the smell, search
for it with their snouts and root it up. The truffle does not occur in Australia.

Other Mammals. — Under the section dealing with the fungi developing after
tires, reference will be found to the rooting up and eating of underground fungi
of the genera MesoplieUia and Caxtoreum, belonging to the Gasforomyeetales
in the Basidiomycetes, by wallabies, bandicoots, and apparently rabbits. These
fungi have a strong pungent aromatic smell which is doubtless the attraction.
The discarded outer husks will often be seen near the scratching^.

Slugs and Snails. — It appears that slugs and snails find their food by means
of the sense of smell, which sense in some ways at least is more acute than in
man. Professor A. IT. R, Boiler* in an interesting article entitled “Slugs as
Myc.ophagists, ’ ’ describes experiments he conducted in England, clearly showing
that the slug Lima* maxvmus L,, which has been introduced into Australia, is
attracted to fungi from a distance of 10ft. to 21ft. He says that it is probably
attracted by a. sense of smell, as Dr. Paul Bartsch of the Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, found some years ago that it is extraordinarily sensitive to certain
gases, as, for instance, the fumes from a furnace, responding by characteristic,
movements of it's tentacles. When later the United States entered the Great
War and a gas detector was required, Dr. Bartsch recalled these experiments and
tried the species with mustard gas. This it could detect in a dilution of 1 in
10,000,000, whereas man reacts only to 1 in 4,000,000. Within two hours of this
discovery, the allied forces were advised by cable that the slug might act as a
gas detector! Some species of slugs are almost, entirely fungus eaters, and other
species rarely touch such food. Dr. W. T. Elliott t has shown that such species
as Amanita phalloides and A. niuscaria, poisonous to man, may be eaten by slugs.

In Australia, mushrooms are often partly eaten by slugs, which may be found
coiled up in the excavations they have made. A number of other species of our
agarics arid some Bolrti have been noted as having been eaten by slugs. 1 have
found an Australian snail, Jlelicarion robusi-us Gould, feeding- on a Puussuki (near
I!, asurm Bros., or It. cyanoxantha Selmoff., FT.), at Neutral Bay, Sydney, and
on another species of Russula at CT.atswood, both in February, 1SH8.

Fungi Attracting Insects. — It has bean suggested, though I think without
any foundation, that our large phosphorescent, toadstool, Plcuroius lam pas Berk.,
may attract night-flying insects by its luminescence, and that these may help
m distributing the spores. I think that it is more likely that the luminescence
lias arisen quite accidentally as a mutation, and that, like the brilliant colours of
many species of fungi and even the poisonous principles found in some, it serves
no special purpose in the maintenance of ihe species. If can also be said contrari-
wise that the luminescence, bright colours and toxins probably do not handicap
in any way the species possessing them.

Many members of the phalloids, related to the puff-balls, and including the
stink-horns and the lattice-work fungus (C lath ms) , have a strong offensive smell
of carrion which may attract insects. In the Australian specimens 1 have
collected, I have not noted, however, any definite attraction of flies. When visited
by insects, these are believed to aid in the distribution of the spores, both by
eating the offensive slime (gleba) in which the spores Hire entangled, and by
getting their legs find mouth parts soiled.

Decaying agarics, including mushrooms, have a strong smell. This may
account, in part at least, for the development in them of maggots from the eggs
laid by flies. There are, however, certain species of flies which normally breed
in Meshy fungi. Often one or more of these long-bodied flies may be seen perched
on the cap of fresh agarics, presumably depositing eggs. Here no smell of decay
seems the source of attraction. The various maggots, when mature or when the
source of food-supply is exhausted, pupate in the ground below. They can be
readily bred out by providing in a jar dry soil underneath a decaying fungus
containing the larvae, and covering with mosquito-netting to catch the emerging
flies. The following species of flies breeding in agarics in Australia have been

*Brit. Mycfliblgicsil Sih\. Trims., 1920, AIL, p. 270.
tBrit. Mycolngieal Soc., Trans., 1922, VIII., p. 8-i.

THE LARGER FUNGI

recorded : — Anesiellorliina augur, one of the two common brown Australian
blowflies frequently responsible for blowing sheep and meat, 1ms been grown
from an agaric, Pleurotu* ftp., collected at Bulli Pass, New South Wales, in
November, 1917, and left exposed in a laboratory in Sydney for two days (when
doubtless it was "blown”). Tapeigaster marginifront Bezzi is a long bodied
dv frequently seen sitting on agarics in South Australia. The species has been
hatched out from maggots which have developed in the fungi.

Beetles. — Beetles are not often found on fleshy agarics, but I have noted the
following occurrences in Australia: — On Flammula purpyrata Rios., Dorrigo,
New South Wales, January, 1918 (two species) ; on Russula, near R. azurea
Bros, or R. cyanvxantha (Sehaoff.) Fr., Neutral Bay, Sydney, February, 1918;
on Plcurotus sp., Bulli Pass, New South Wales, November, 1917 (Staphyl'inidae) ;
on Paxillus paradoxus (Kalelibr.) Quel., Neutral Bay, February, 1918 (perhaps
accidental).

On the woody and corky polypores, beetles are often numerous, leading to the
rapid destruction of the brackets. Many leave eventually merely a thin shell
of the denser outer surface and the pore orifices. A small beetle (an und escribed
<’i id) is a pest in the herbarium. Many members of such families of beetles as
the Erotylidae, Mycetopliagidae and Oiidae feed on fungi, Our large common
punk, Poly poms eucalyptomm Fr., with the thin pore surface lemon yellow when
fresh, soon falls from its lofty position on the trunk of a Eucalypt and will be
found riddled and sponge-like from tlie excavations of beetle larvae.

The late Mr. A. M. Lea, Entomologist to the South Australian Museum, has
kindly supplied the following information as to the principal fungus beetles,
which are as follows: —

“ EkotyhidAE. — These are commonly called fungus-beetles; some are small, round
and blackish, but many are moderately elongated and average jin. in length with
sharply contrasted markings; they occur on soft bracket and sheet fungi, and
occasionally on large puff-balls and the harder Polypori. On the northern rivers
of New South Wales they occur in larger numbers than elsewhere in Australia.
I have named one, an inch long, perhaps the largest in the world, from Queens-
land. They are all slow-moving.

Ex homy chid AE.- — Allied to the Erotylidae but much smaller; few are as big
as a grain of wheat ; they are all slow-moving - , and usually occur in the same
situation as the Erotylidae, but a few are to be taken in moss, etc.

Scawiidiidae. — These are small and extremely active; smaller ones are mostly
to be taken on sheet fungi under bark, the larger ones (about the size of a
wheat-grain) on soft bracket fungi; the larger ones are blackish, with conspicuous
reddish spots.

Chhae. — T he genus ('is is confined to the hard and dry bracket and sheet
fungi ; they are all small and slow-moving and may sometimes be taken in large
numbers by breaking up the fungi; or if these are put away in glass-topped
boxes and left for a few months or years sometimes hundreds can be obtained
from a single fungus.

Stai’IIytjxidae. — T his is an immense family of beetles (the rove-beetles),
whole genera of which are to be taken on the Polypori, sometimes swarming in
the tubes; they are very thin, and at first (owing to their short elytra) they do
not look much like beetles. They also swarm in decaying vegetation, moss,
carrion, seaweed, etc.

Trio] lOPTEUYCIlDAE.' — These are the smallest of all beetles; one species, about the
size of a large full-stop, occurs in thousands on sheet fungi under bark in
Tasmania, as at Mount Tambourine, and I took a similar, if not identical, species
on Lord Howe Island. They can be told at once from the Poduridae (many of
which are equally small and roughly similar in shape) by the way they run, never
jumping; also if put in spirits they at once sink, but the Poduridae float for some
time. 1 have taken a few specimens on toadstool fungi. Where they occur at all
they generally occur in numbers.

Ten ebriO.v idae. — One sub-family is confined to fungi, usually the more or less
hard brackets, and there are some weird-looking creatures amongst them, the male
often armed with conspicuous spines. They are all snuff-coloured and often
warty, and so closely resemble the fungi that it is usually only by specially looking

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

for them or breaking the fungus up that they are found. Their headquarters
in Australia are the Ilia warm district to South Queensland, but a few occur in
Tasmania and Western Australia, always in heavily timbered districts.

In rotting fungi also a good many species are to be taken, but many of these
are general carrion feeders. A few fliers feed on rusts and smuts in the larval
stages, and one fairly large beetle, Lagria grandis, regularly in Tasmania eats the
sori of black spot (but it also eats fruit, etc.).

On the whole 1 think I have myself material to record at least 200 species of
fungus beetles.”

Spring-tails (Collembola). — These are frequently found on the fleshy agarics.
I have noted them on the following in New South Wales : — Psalliota arvrnsis
Sehaeff., var. frag mils Clel. et Cheel, Blayney, December; Psttocybe foenisecii
(Pers.) Fr., Sydney, December; Lact grins seriflms (DC.) Fr., Neutral Bay,
November; Cortinarius sp., Neutral Bay, October (two species); Pleurotm sp.,
Dorrig'o, .January. In South Australia they have been seen on PsalUota cam
pest tic (L.), the common mushroom, Encounter Bay, April, and llygmphorus
emdidus Cke. et Mass., Encounter Bay, May. Brachystomella par rul a Schff. has
been identified specifically from decaying mushrooms at Encounter Bay, May.
192!), and Tlypogastrurii armada Nie. from a small toadstool, Glen Osmond, July,

1 92.9.

Earwig. — An earwig was found in cavities in the black Ascomycete,
Daldinia concent rk-a, Bolt., at Malanganee, near Casino, New South Wales, August.

Ants. — One of the firm puff-balls, Scleroderma flavidum, which take some days
to mature, harboured a little colony of ants at lvendall, New South Wales, in
December. These, when examined by Mr. J. Clark, of Melbourne, turned out to
be a new species near Solenopsis beliia riits Ford.

Mites. — Minute mites, often very long-logged, may sometimes be seen
running over the gills of agarics.

INTERESTING PHENOMENA MANIFESTED BY CERTAIN

SPECIES.

LUMINESCENCE.

Luminescence, commonly walled phosphorescence, is a well-known but not
common phenomenon in both the animal and vegetable kingdoms. The fire-flies
(really beetles) common in the tropics arc to be seen in the Blue Mountains of
Now South Wales, glow-worms (the larvae of beetles) common with ns in damp
soil in the autumn, and the luminous organs of certain deep-sea fishes, are examples
in the animal kingdom in which this phenomenon is manifested. A beautiful
little luminescent crustacean was seen at Encounter Bay in 1.929. Amongst
plants some bacteria, which have gained access to fleshy food such as cleaned fish
and are multiplying therein, may give rise to luminescence, and a similnr
appearance may be seen sometimes in the mycelium or even in the fruiting bodies
of various fungi.

Amongst the higher fungi, several species of agarics are known from various
parts of the world, such as Borneo, Brazil, and Australia, which show this
phenomenon. The species with us, known as Plevrotus lampas Berk., is quite a
common one and may be met with in all the southern Australian States where
Eucalyptus forests occur. These agarics are very large, with a whitish cap some-
times tinted with brown, yellow brown, bronze or bluish black, with ample cream-
coloured gills that are decurrent down the stem, and with the thick firm stem
not usually centrally placed under the cap, but more or less to one side. They
grow together in hunches at or near the liases of Eucalypts (gum-trees) and the
bunch may weigh several pounds. Probably everyone who has any acquaintance
with our gum-tree forests, and especially if they have walked through them at
night, is acquainted with the species and lias seen it glowing with its pah-
whitish light at the butts of trees, and has carried portions back and examined
them later in a dark room. In the fresh state, the gills emit quite a strong
white light, sufficient to read the time by on a watch. This light may be seen
shining through the cap when this is thin, giving a weird and fairy -like appear-
ance to the whole fungus. The glow, gradually fading, may be manifested for
several nights. James Drummond, the botanist, writing from Swan River (now
Perth), seems to have been tire first to record this phenomenon in our

THE IjAUCIEK Ft'iVGT

Australian Species, and bis account appears in Hooker's Journal of Botany for
April, 1842. When shown to the natives, he said that “the poor creatures cried
out ‘Cliinga,’ their name for a spirit, and seemed much afraid of it.”

The nature of the process in our agaric does not seem to have been in-
vestigated. Tlie luminescence in other cases lias been found to be due to a
ferment luciferase acting on a compound protein luciferin. In the firefly, the
tight is per cent, efficient, that is, the energy liberated is almost entirely
converted into light, leaving only 0.5 per cent, to be accounted for by conversion
into heat and other forms of energy.

Figure 1. — Pleurotus hi mints Berk. (No. 89). Adelaide. Photographed hy Its
own light. Twenty-four hours’ exposure with superspeed film.

FAIRY RING'S.

Fairy rings arc well-known in most parts of the world, and much romance
has grown up around them, tn South Australia two species of fungi at least —
an edible mushroom and a puffball — manifest this feature, though often the ring
is rather indistinct or broken. The large, rather coarse Horse Mushroom
( Psolliola arvensis Schaeff,), with gilts at first whitish and finally purplish
hrorvn, but never rich pink at any stage, often grows in large rings. In autumn
the large caps appear arranged more or less in a circle, which geometrical
figure can be readily seen at a distance, as the photograph (Figure 2) shows.
After the crop of mushrooms is over, the site of the ring can often be recognised
still by tlie ground being either bare, or with shorter grass than inside or out-
side tlie ring, and it is this hare ring that is the fairy ring of mythology. Tn
Europe, the growth of the grass just outside and also within the ring is often
more luxuriant than elsewhere, but this feature has uot yet been noted in
Australia. In the bare ring the soil is permeated with the mycelial threads of
the fungus, and in these threads the food substances are stored up, which will
later be made use of for the rapid growth of the mushrooms themselves. Now,
materials (such as particles of soil or pieces of rotting wood), permeated with
mycelium, will be found to be usually drier than similar adjacent material not
so infiltrated. A lump of such permeated soil or wood placed iu water will not
as readily take up the water and become damp as similar lumps of the un-
pcrineated material. A piece of rotten mycelial-infiitrated wood also will not
burn so readily as an ordinary piece, and this is to be explained by much of
the available empty space in the wood, the various tubes, etc., being plugged
up with mycelium, so that air, with its content of oxygen, is uot available for
combustion in the interstices of the wood, and so the burning is confined merely
to a peripheral portion where oxygen is obtained from the surrounding air. From
these statements we may infer two factors that contribute to the formation of

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

tlie bare ring. One is drought, or relative dryness, for rain falling in the ring
of fungus-infiltrated soil will not sink in as readily as elsewhere, but will tend
io run off on either side, supplying those zones with additional water, or will
lie on the snrfaee rather than sink in by capillary attraction and so be
evaporated. The other factor is clogging of the interstices with mycelial threads,
which would lead to relative exclusion of the air with its oxygen, and this would
tend to prevent the germination of seeds or the development of leaves from
roots, processes which require the presence of oxygen for respiratory purposes.
In addition, other factors may participate. Actual crowding of the area with
mycelium may make it difficult for other plants to> find space to grow in, just
as an established community of cue species of plant may prevent individuals of
another species from growing in the same place. It is possible also that the
nutriment necessary for the grasses is absorbed beforehand by the mycelium,
and is no longer available for the former, and it may be, in addition, that
definite toxic substances are produced by the mycelium which are deleterious to
the grass.

The more vigorous growth of grass just outside the ring lias been attributed
to chemical changes in the organic materials of the adjacent soil, due to the
proximity of the mycelium, these changes favouring the plant growth. This is
not necessarily contradictory to the view that the mycelium may manufacture
toxic substances, as such toxic substances may be stimulant in nature when much
diluted, as in the zone outside the ring, but destructive when more concen-
trated, as in the ring itself. The more luxuriant growth within the ring is
explained by the old and exhausted mycelium in this situation undergoing decay
and breaking down into materials that act as food stimulants to the grass coming
up there. In places where the rainfall is low and precarious, both these zones
may benefit bv the additional “run off,” when such occurs, of rain-water from
t lie bare zone.

The fairy ring has another aspect that deserves consideration. It will lie
noticed, if measurements are kept, or marks made, that it increases in diameter
by a few inches each year. Each season it grows larger. As a matter of fact,
it began in the centre of the ring from a spore, or spores, which fell on suitable
i ground, germinated and produced n .mycelium, and in due course a little crop of
trailing bodies, mushrooms in the case off this fungus. Then the oldest central
part of the mycelium died and disintegrated, ldaviug a peripheral ring of living
and active mycelium. Season after season the. ring increased in size, the inner
zone of spent mycelium dying after yielding its crop of fruiting bodies as a
result of exhaustion of the food contents of the soil, an outer zone laying up food-
stores to furnish the fruits of the next season. By measuring the average annual
increase in size of the ring and its diameter, rough estimates can be made of the
ages of rings. Some of these in America have been estimated to be 250, 420, and
even 000 years old. As regards our own fungus rings, some of these must have
been in existence long before Captain Cook sighted Australia, and probably were
already established when Tasman named Van Diemen’s Land. The annual
increase of the rings of our Horse Mushroom ( Psaltiota urvensis SehaefP.) have
not yet been ascertained. Rings have been measured, however, one on the Bluff nt
Encounter Bay being 3.0 feet in diameter in 1020, and another on the Millicent
Rond near Kalangadoo being Ml feet across in 1928. (Figure 2.) In those
instances in which the mycelium lias been developed from a single spore, we can
look upon the mycelium of the whole ring ns belonging to one plant, even though
all the threads may no longer be in organic continuity with each other. We may.
in fact, consider the ring as a fungus tree, buried in the soil, bearing annual
autumnal crops of fruit in the shape of mushrooms. These we pluck, but without
injuring the plant as a whole, just as the oranges or apples that we take off a
fruit-tree to eat leave the tree itself unimpaired. It is even possible that our
eating the mushrooms, provided we did not cook them, might lie of advantage to
the species, as the spores can probably pass through our alimentary tract
Uninjured, and so finally find a resting-place wherein they might develop to
produce a fresh fungus ring.

There are only two species as yet known in South Australia which produce
well-defined rings. Probably a number of other kinds do so also, but the situation
in which they grow does not lend itself to the recognition of the ring form. The
rings of the Horse Mushroom ( PmlUota arvensix Rehaeff.) have already been men-
tioned ns occurring near Kalangadoo and on and near the neck of the Bluff at
Encounter Bay — tile bare ring of the latter, situated just above a small planta-
tion of trees on the landward side of the Bluff, can often be seen from the beach
near Yelki, at a distance of nearly a mile.

THE I.AKGHK EL' KG I

Tin" utlu'i' $pecies tliat glows in ring formation is a white puffball. Lyropeftlot
dcpreasum Bonorden. In this, the mycelium does not lead to a bare zone, but the
many white puffballs growing from it amongst Hie grass have n very definite
ring arrangement.

In New South Wales, the Champignon ( Murasmius orearim Bolt.., Fr.) grows
in ring formation, ns it does in Europe and New Zealand. The caps arc olmrae
terised by their reassuming their original shape after being dried if they are
placed in water. This species lias not yet been found in this State.

Photoffrv.fik bit A. ,/mTc.y.

Figure 2. — Ring formed by the Horse Mushroom. Pttalliotti nrvciisitt , at Kalangadoo.

THE MECHANICAL FORCE EXERTED BY DEVELOPING FRUITING

BODIES.

The mechanical force exerted by the cells of living organisms when they absorb
water as a result of osmotic action may be very great. This force may be mani-
fested under unexpected circumstances. It is dangerous to allow a horse to have
access to wheat in. grain, as the grains swallowed whole may absorb water in the
stomach and lead to a fatal result. Wheat ships have been lost at sea through
the bursting asundei of their planks or plates when sea-water has gained entrance
to the hold anil the millions of grains have swollen. Dried peas may be used for
disarticulating the sutures of tbe skulls of young mammals. Professor R. W.
Chapman, of the University of Adelaide, has recently shown that a block of
Phi us radutta Don. (F. insignia Douglas) wood grown in this State, and measuring
.'if ins. x .'iius. ,\ -tins., placed under a tightening load of (iOlllbs,, and then sur-
rounded as far as possible by water, imbibed this water to such an extent as to
increase the load up to l,u20!bs., an increase of PliOlbs. In the same way, the
cells of growing delicate looking fleshy fungi may absorb water and exert in the
mass a very great leverage, sufficient to raise large stones. Thus, in 1830, at
Busing Stoke, in England, a large paving stone, measuring 22 by 21in., and
weighing s.'ilbs., which had been cemented down, was raised an inch and a half by
the growth of two fleshy agarics under it; and Cooke in “British Fungi" mentions
ft large hearthstone being forced up b\ a fungus growing undei it. Tim only
parallel instance T know of in Australia was the firm earth floor of a hut. which
had been down for several years, being broken by the growth of one of our
higher fungi, which had probably been stimulated to develop a fruiting body by
the percolation of rain-water to the underlying soil.

OF SOI 'TH A I ’STRALI A .

THE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF FUNGI FOR
BOTANICAL PURPOSES.

No trouble will be experienced in dealing with the many kinds of relatively dry
corky and woody species. It is only necessary to leave them exposed, preferably
in a current of air, in as dry an atmosphere as possible until the moisture they
have imbibed has evaporated. In a dry climate such as ours, no difficulty will be
met with, even in the lute autumn.

With the fleshy kinds, such as the agarics, the matter is far otherwise. In the
case of small and especially deliquescent species, such as some of our Coprini, the
whole plant may alter profoundly in the course of an Hour or so, or even less, and
become hopelessly unrecognisable. In the others, tile appearance of the dried
specimen may be much changed, and the essential features of the growing plant
be lost. It will thus be seen that it is often necessary not only to take special
measures to dry the specimens, but before doing so to make such notes as are
required. With very delicate kinds it may even be desirable to make these obser-
vations in the field whilst the plants are still in situ. All this means labour, but
it any one intends seriously to study mycology in the shape of the agarics, this
extra trouble is necessary and will soon bring its own recompense. Let us take
as an example of what to do, a fungus foray in autumn to our National Park or
elsewhere in the Mount Lofty Ranges. The choice of a suitable day will enable
a larger haul of species to bo obtained. We have collected as many as fifty or
sixty species of Basidiomvcetes on such occasions. After a long dry summer, the
iirst heavy rain will be followed three or four days later by the appearance of
agarics. If this is followed a week or so later by more rain, and the interval lias
been somewhat mild, the crop of agarics and polypores will be assured. After the
ground lias been damped by the first, rain, there follows an incubation period,
during which the mycelium in the soil or wood is reviving from its long rest,
and is mobilising its food-stores for the production of the fruit bodies — the
agarics, the polvpores, etc., themselves. This takes a little time, so that the number
that appear after the first showers is greatly increased when those are followed
up by later showers. Moreover, whilst several days must elapse before they come
up after the first rain, many will be seen a day or so after the later falls. When
once the season has thus opened, dry weather, especially with easterly or northerly
winds, means few fungi; bright still dewy mornings, many kinds. A little rain on
sandy soil will bear more fruit than on stiff ground. Fungi may be found under
I alien logs and litter, or in dense undergrowth nearby sheltered creeks, when
they have ceased to appear in drier places. Some species, and even genera such
as Amanita , prefer early autumn; others, such as Cortinariw, early winter, and
only a few kinds characterise the spring, though some species may be found almost,
throughout the year if there lias been sufficient rain. The fungus season ends
to a great extent as winter merges into spring.

Having chosen our day, we set off, not minding a little rain. We are armed
(vith plenty of boxes of various sizes, from matchboxes, or pillboxes, to tobacco
tins, and on to boot boxes. We have also a few test-tubes and small wide-mouthed
bottles. Small species that may soon shrivel up require to be placed at once in
corked bottles or tins. A trench tool, or shenthkuife, or failing these, a trowel,
will be found useful for digging up fungi rooting in the soil, or certain under-
ground species such as Mesophellia, whose presence may lie suggested by animal
scratehings. A tomahawk will also be of service for dislodging woody polvpores
from the trunks of trees. A satchel will be found a very convenient means of
carrying the boxes and tools.

Having started collecting, my practice is to place the specimens in the boxes,
'mall ones preferably apart in small boxes, with the gills usually uppermost, so
that their spores will not fall on and contaminate those below. Any soil particles
or sand falling on the gills can usually be readily shaken out later. Some
recommend — and it is unquestionably better, though not essential — to wrap up
together the members of each species in tissue paper or newspaper before placing
them in the box.

Having returned home with our boxes filled, the specimens are placed out on a
large tray, or the upturned cover of a large cardboard box. All of one kind are
grouped together, and then the necessary notes are made about those species
that will alter in drying. These notes will supplement any memoranda made
when collecting, indicating the habit, etc., of the species. The first ones
described will be those, such as very delicate species, which will change soonest.
Hueh a trayful of specimens from our hills is often a very striking and, to

THE LARGER FUNGI

the novice, surprising object. Tlie colours are most varied, the tints often vivid
and beautiful, the combination of colours surprising in their harmony. The
shapes are frequently graceful and artistic.

Having chosen our first species, we set about describing it fully in the same
way as are described in the systematic portion of this work the various species
with which it deals. The cap, stem and gills will be measured, preferably in
the metric system; the shades of colour on these parts will be described, if
possible, by comparison .with some standard such as Ridgway’s “Color
Standards and Color Nomenclature ’ ’ ; the shapes of the cap, gills and stem;
the appearance of the surface of the cap (glutinous, smooth, warty, scaly,
velvety, etc.); the presence or not of a skin or cuticle on it; the attachment,
depth, closeness or otherwise, of the gills; evenness, serration or thickness of
the edges of the gills; the appearance of the surface of the stem (smooth,
sticky, mealy, fibril lose), hollowness or solidity of the stem; nature of a ring
or volva, if present; features of the flesh of the cap and stem (opaque, or
translucent, changing in colour when cut, etc.); rooting or otherwise; general

Figure 3. — Print on black paper of the White Spores shed from the Gills of Amanita
nwttmrht; showing the positions of the gills.

texture of the plant, smell, and even taste, (with circumspection), and habitat
should all be noted as succinctly and as exactly as possible. To get the colour
of the spores in mass a spore print is very useful. To obtain this, place the
cap over a sheet of white paper (unless the spores are white, when blank paper
will show them up better) in such a way that the gills, or part of them, hang
downwards so that as the spores drop from their edges and descend between
tlie blades they will fall on to the paper before being blown away. A good
way is to make a small hole in a round piece of paper a little larger than the
pileus, pull the stem through this, and support the agaric in its natural position
in an empty vaseline jar, or some such receptacle. Spores will c-ease to be shed
when the fungus is drying up, and so it may be necessary to shield the prepara-
tion from evaporation. The photograph (Figure .'!) shows a typical print of
white spores on a black background.

We are now in a position to dry our specimens. This must be done as rapidly
as possible. The best means is by dry heat in a current' of air. This may often
be achieved merely by leaving them well exposed in a dry room, especially when
the sunlight can reach them. Many of mine are dried in this way. Still better
is it to put them on top of a gas stove used for heating purposes, if this top
becomes warm and aiir can percolate past them. The interior of a dry iwcubator
is often effective. If the interior is moist, as from the evaporation from fluid
cultures of bacteria, the fungi may not dry, but get' mushy. I often use the
domestic hearth, the fungi being placed on sheets of cardboard close enough to

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

the five to 1 be dried quickly, but not so close as to get stewed in their own fluid.
An electric fan may aid evaporation in some methods. If dried quickly, most
kinds will retain their shape and colour to a considerable extent, though consist-
ing, as they do, mostly of water, there will be much shrivelling. With rapid
drying, good preparations may be made even of the deliquescent Caprini, the
water being lost before the liquefying ferment can act.

Descriptions, especially colour notes and measurements, should be made of all
other kinds that may alter in drying, such as the Coral Fungi ( Clavariae ) and
the gelatinous species ( Tremella , etc.). Though the latter, when dry, may almost
disappear, when re-moistened they will more or less perfectly reassume their
original appearance. When quite dry, the specimens are ready to be stowed
away in botanical specimen boxes. As many in storage may be attacked by
insects, they should be accompanied by an abundance of flake naphthalene,
renewed from time to time as it evaporates. Still better, the specimens,
especially the corky and woody kinds, may be more permanently protected by
painting with, or sometimes rapidly immersing in, the preservative used at
Kew for the botanical specimens there. The formula for this, which may be
applied with a camel’s hair brush, is as follows: — loz. of carbolic acid crystals,
loz. of corrosive sublimate, and 2 pints of methylated spirits. Shake well before
using.

Ama-niTa. a-agusfiipor* Cld

Erc«»v«JVr Ba

fTlajr

f. s fhx

iqiC.

Figure 4.- — Method of making a Folder for holding dried
Botanical Specimens.

THE LARGER FUNGI

Unless bulky or of unusual shape, or delicate and liable to be broken, when
boxes or paper bags, whichever seem most suitable, may be used, the specimens
should be put in regulation folders and labelled on the outside. These folders
are made as illustrated in the diagrams (Figure 4), using cartridge paper,
botanical mounting paper, or moderately stiff brown paper. For economical
purposes, used firm newspaper wrappers, or the large brown envelopes in which
journals are sent, may be opened up and turned inside out and made to serve
as very efficient holders of various sizes.

THE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF THE HIGHER FUNGI.

It may be said that the two really essential parts of one of the higher fungi
consist of the mycelial or fungus threads that permeate the substratum for the
purpose of obtaining and in part storing up food supplies, and the hymenium
that bears the structures necessary for reproduction. The former constitutes the
vegetative stage of the fungus and the elements composing it are often little
evident to the naked eye. The latter represents the reproductive portion, making
use of the food-supplies already stored up by the vegetative phase to erect a
specialised fruiting-bodv, or sporophore, designed to facilitate the dispersal of
the reproductive elements or spores. The fruiting-bodv has usually a very definite
architecture which, as it were, hall-marks the species and enables it to be recog-
nised. It will be well to take a simple and common, but composite, example and
consider it in detail. From such, the various departures in form can readily be
understood.

The accompanying diagram represents the main features to be seen in a large
number of agarics, of which the common mushroom is the best-known example.
It will be seen that a typical agaric consists of a pileus or cap, bearing on its
under-side vertically descending thin lamellae or gills, supported by a stem which
at its base is continuous with the mycelial threads traversing the substratum or
source of food supply.

The essential feature here is the hymenium which is spread over the surface of
the gills. It bears special cells, the basidia, which project slightly from the
surface. Each basidium has usually four little projecting microscopic stalks,

Figure 5.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

or sterigmata, each of ’which supports a spore. The spores are so placed ami
spaced that normally they do not touch each other or those of the opposite gill-
surface, but project freeiy, so that when mature and separated from their little
stalks, they fall slowly downwards until (tarried awav by the breeze.

There are two minor features of importance that may be present, one or both.
There may be a more or less evident sheath at the bast* of the stem, the volva,
representing a universal sheath which enclosed the young sporophore. There may
be a more or less distinct ring or annulus on the stem, representing the veil that
passed from the edge of the cap to the stem and hid from view the gills at an
earlier stage of development. The volva may be loosely sheathing, lax, or closely
applied, evanescent or persistent, or reduced to adherent fragments, or may vary
in other ways. The ring may be fixed or movable, distant from the apex of the
stem when it is Inferior, or near the apex when it is superior; it may be ample,
dependent, double, fugacious, or evanescent, or present other characteristics.

The pileus or hymenophore (i.c., portion bearing the hymen i urn) may be many
inches in diameter, or not much larger than a pin’s head; it may be of various
shapes from conical to convex, or plane, or funnel-shaped; it may be regular or
irregular; it may be smooth, or have scales or warts, or be velvety, or slimy,
viscid or glutinous; it may show striae, or be ribbed; the edge may be thin or
rounded, interned or straight, wrinkled or rugose or regular; there may be a
cuticle or skin-like layer which may or may not peel; it, may be coloured in
various ways; it may change colour from loss of water in drying (hygrophanous) .
The gills may be narrow or broad; they may be crowded or close, or subdi stunt
or distant; they may pass straight to the stem to be attached there along their
whole length ( advate ), or with a conical pileus they may have to ascend to do
so (ascending ) ; their attachment to the stem may be narrowed (adnexrd gills),
or may show a hay (emarginale or sinuate) • they may fail to reach the stem at
all when they are called free ; they may be thick or thin, or the edge may be
thinner (acute) ; they may show buttresses or folds, or even anastomose with
their neighbours, especially near the stem; they may have a juice exuding when
broken; their colour varies with the species but does not necessarily agree with
the colour of the spores. The flesh of the pileus varies much in thickness and
texture; it may be thin and membranous, 01 thick and fleshy; it may thin gradu-
ally and uniformly outwards, or do so abruptly; it may rapidly undergo colour
changes, becoming red, brown, green, blue, or even blackish when exposed to the ait
or in drying. The stem or stipes may be attached to the centre of the cap
(central), or to one side ( exeenlrie or eccentric ) , or be quite lateral ; it may be
absent altogether and the pileus be attached along one side ( sessile pileus), or
it may be attenuated into a stem-like base. The stem may be of equal diameter
throughout, or attenuated or expanded above or below, or have a bulbous base;
it may be smooth or viscid, or elad with scales or tibrils; it may be solid, or
stuffed with a spongy pith, or hollow; in texture it may be fleshy, fibrous, brittle,
cartilaginous, or tough; it may lit into a kind of socket in the pileus so as to be
easily separated from the latter, as in the common mushroom ( hymenophore free),
or its flesh may be confluent with that of the pileus; if confluent, the substance
may be similar in texture to the flesh of the pileus (as is usual when the stem is
fleshy), or it may be of a different texture (as in cartilaginous stems). The stem
mav pass into a rooting base, which may extend deeply, as in Collybia radicata,
or it may be connected with string-like fibrils (rhfeomorphs) which derive nourish-
ment from, and incidentally injure, the roots of adjacent, trees or shrubs, as in
Armillaria mcUea. The vegetative mycelium may in the ground become compacted
together with soil into a fairly definite mass (false sderolinm), or in the sub-
stratum it may form into a storage body, or true selero twin, formed entirely of
dense compacted fungus hyphae, which may be quite small, or as large ns a child’s
head, and weigh many pounds. From such sclerotia, the fruiting bodies directly
arise and are formed by the utilisation and transportation of the reserve food
supplies contained in the sclerotium.

Such a general survey as that just given will include the more important
features of most of the common fleshy agarics. There are some genera of gill-
bearing fungi characterised by possessing other features of note. Thus in the
Coprim, some of which grow on dung, as lire name implies, the gills liquefy
from the edge as maturity is reached through the activity of an enzyme or fer-
ment; in BolbUius the gills liquefy or shrivel rapidly without exactly decaying
immediately after they mature; in Marasmius and allied genera the dried fungi
revive when moistened; in Lev tin Us, LenHtes, etc., the xporophores or fruiting
bodies are tough, membranous, corky, or firm and so do not alter on drying.

THE LARGER FUNGI

Further a microscopic feature often of importance is the occurrence of special
colls, known as cystidia, met with in certain species and usually found projecting
from the surface of the gills between the basidia. The colour, shape, and size of
the mature spores are, within limits, constant for each species.

In the case of the pore-bearing fungi, the description outlined above will require
some modifications, but its general principles still apply. Here tubes take the
place of gills and are lined by the hymenium bearing the spores. We have
therefore to consider the size and depth of the tubes, to note whether some extend
deeper than others or not, to see whether they form a layer readily separable
from the rest of the hymenophore or seem merely imbedded in this, to ascertain
whether there are layers or strata of tubes (representing periods of growth) or
only one layer, to note the colour and so on. The size, shape, and colour of the
orifices of the pores must be ascertained and the number of such orifices in one
millimetre of surface. Some of the pore-bearing fungi are fleshy and readily
decay, such as the Buleti. A large number, however, are leathery, corky, or
woody. Some have a cap and stem, but many are laterally attached, forming
brackets, or may even be spread out over the surface (as in Poria). It must
be pointed out that in some genera we see transitional conditions between gills
and pores. Thus cross-partitions or anastomoses may convert gills into chambers
and in other species these pass into elongated pores. In some genera, such as
Merulius, the hymenial surface is represented by wrinkles enclosing spaces which
represent the pores.

In the Hydnaceae, spines, granules, knobs, or their representatives bear the
hymenium. In the Tlielephoraeeae it is borne on a more or less smooth surface,
in the Cyphellaceae in a cup-shaped receptacle and in the Clavariaceae on clubs
or coral-shaped sporophores. The principles of description already outlined can
be readily modified to meet the requirements of these various groups.

The Gasteromycetales include the various puff-balls as well as the remarkable
phalloids, some of which latter are called “stink horns.” Many of the fungi
in the Auriculariales, Tremellales, Tulasnellales, and Calocerales are gelatinous
or horny-gelatinous. The points of importance in the descriptions of these, as
well as of the few genera of the larger fleshy Ascomycetes that will be con-
sidered, can be readily gathered from the systematic part of this work dealing
with them and need not be considered here.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN SPECIAL TERMS EMPLOYED.

(In preparing these definitions, free use has been, made of the Glossary in

C. H. Kauffman’s “The Agarieaceae of Michigan”).

Adnate (of the gills), attached throughout their breadth straight on to the stem;
(of the pellicle of the pileus, scales, etc.), not readily separable but firmly
attached.

Adnexed (of the gills), attached to the stem by only part of their breadth.

Allantoid (of spores), sausage-shaped. (Gr., alias, alla/Ktos, a sausage).

Alveolate (of the surface of the pileus, etc.), deeply pitted. (Latin, alveolus, a
little trough, a socket).

Amphigenous (of the hymenium), borne on both sides of the receptacle.
(Gr., ampld, on both sides; geuos, kind, genus).

Anastomosing (of the gills, ridges on the pilous, etc.), connecting with each other
obliquely or crosswise leaving spaces or pits between. (Gr., ana&tomo-o, to
furnish ' with a mouth, applied anatomically to the inosculations between
adjacent blood-vessels).

Apwuhis (of a spore), the short projection at one end by which it was attached
to the sterigma.

Appendieulate (of the margin of the pileus), hung with fragments of the veil.

Applanate (of the pileus), horizontally flattened out.

Arachnoid (of the veil), cobweb-like. (Gr., aradhne, a spider).

Armaie (of the gills or margin of the pileus), curved like a bow.

Ascending (of the gills), passing upwards in the case of a conical pileus.

Attenuate (of the stem), gradually narrowed.

Basidia, the special cells that bear the spores and form the essential structure of
the hymenium in the Basidiomycetes.

Bibulous (of the surface of the pileus), capable of absorbing moisture.

Bloom (of the pileus, stem or gills), an appearance suggestive of the minute
granules on the surface of certain plums giving them a greyish tint.

Buttons (of the stem), swollen at the base.

Byssoid (of mycelium), fine filaments spreading out over the surface. (Gr., bussos,
fine flax).

Gaespitose, aggregated in dense clusters but not grown together.

Campamdaie (of the pileus), bell-shaped. (L., campana, a bell).

Capillary (of the stem), liair-like.

Cameo us, fl eshy.

Cartilaginous (of the stem, or cuticle), tough, brittle, breaking with a snap.

Cinereous, ashy-gray.

Clavate, club-shaped.

Close (of the gills), lialf-way between “crowded” and “sub-distant.”

Concolorous with, of one> colour with.

Confluent (of the flesh of the stem), continuous with and similar to the flesh of
the pileus.

Conidia , secondary spores developed on the mycelium or hyphae distinct from the
usual ones developing on the special cell, the basidium.

Connivent, showing a gradual inward direction, convergent. (L., conmtveo, to
wink).

Context, the trarna or fleshy or firm supporting part of the pileus or gills.

Continuous (of the flesh of the stem), the same as confluent.

Coriaceous, of a leathery consistence.

Cortex (of the stem), the outer denser rind.

Cortina, the inner or partial veil in some genera of Agarics, the structure of
which is cobwebby.

Cruchately , like a cross.

Cystidia, large sterile specially shaped cells mixed with the basidia and usually
projecting beyond them.

Decurrent (of the gills), running down the stem.

Dendroid, branching like a tree. (Gr., dendron , a tree).

Dimidiate (of the fruit -body), semi-circulai in outline.

Disc (of the pileus), the central portion of the surface.

Dissepiments (of the pores), the partitions between the pores. (L., dis, asunder, -
sepio, to part).

Emarginate (of the gills), notched near the stem.

THE LARGER FI’NGI

Epigean, on the surface of the soil. (Gr., epi, on; ge, the earth).

Erumpent, bursting forth as out of the substratum. (L., erumpo, to burst forth).

Excentric, eccentric (of the stem), not attached, in the centre or to the side of
the pileus but somewhere between these points.

Fascimdate, crowded in bundles.

Fustigiate, close, parallel and upright like the branches of a Lombardy poplar.
(L., fastigium, a slope).

Floecose , provided with cottony substance on the surface.

Floecvlose, finely floecose.

Free (of the gills), not attached to the stem at any time.

Furfuraoeous, covered with bran-like particles, scurfy. (L., furfur, bran, scurf).

Fuscous, deep gray-brown. (L„ fattens).

Fusiform, spindle-shaped. (L., fusus, a spindle).

Gibbous (of the pileus). with an asymmetrical convexity or umbo, or with the
convexity on one side. (L., gibbus, a bunch or swelling on the back).

Glabrous, smooth.

Glaucous, covered with fine white bloom, easily rubbed off; grayish-blue.

Gleba, the chambered spore-bearing tissue within a sporophore of the Phalloideae,
etc. (L., gleba, a clod, lump of earth).

Gregarious, growing in company, scattered closely over a small area.

Gutta, a globule or drop of liquid.

Gyrose, turned round like a crook, bent, as are the convolutions of the brain.
(L., gyrus, a circle).

Heterogeneous, applied to a structure composed of unlike tissues.

Hispid , bristly. (L., lmphdus).

Homogeneous , applied to a structure composed of a uniform tissue.

Hyaline, colourless, transparent. (Gr., hyalos, glass).

Hygrophanoas (of the flesh or the surface of the pileus), watery in appearance,
like the ‘‘water-core” of an apple, the moisture disappearing' rapidly acconi
panied by change in colour, usually by fading. (Gr., hygros , moist; phaino,
ghanp, to bring to light, disclose).

Hynmmim, the spore-bearing layer, composed of basidia with or without eystidia
or sterile cells. (Gr. and L., Hymen, the god of marriage).

Hymenophore, the portion of the fungus bearing the hymenium.

Uypogean, under the surface of the soil. (Gr., hypo, under; ge, the earth).

Imbricate, overlapping lik« the shingles on a roof.

Inferior (of the ring), below the middle of the stem.

Infundib aliform, funnel-shaped. (L., infundibulum, a funnel).

Lactiferous, latirifcrous (of liyphae of the trama), bearing a milky juice or
latex.

Lamellae, the gills or gill-like structures of a Basidiomycetous fungus. (L.,
lamella, a thin plate).

Latex, a juice usually of a milky colour.

Marginate (of the bulb at the base of a stem), with a circular ridge on the
exterior upper angle where the universal veil was attached.

Matrix, the substance on or in which a fungus grows.

Myeorlnsa, the stunted rootlets of tiees covered or permeated by the mycelium
of fungi.

Favifidar, boat-shaped.

Obtuse (of the pileus, eystidia, etc.), rounded or blunt.

Parenchyma, the essential soft cellular tissua of an organ in a plant or animal.
(Gr., parenchyma from parencheo, to pour in).

Pellicle, a thin skin like covering. ( L., pellicula, dim. of pellis, skin).

Penicillatc, supporting bundles of diverging liair-like structures. (L., peuiciUttut,
a painter's brush).

Peridvum, the enveloping coat of a sporophore upon which the spores develop
within a cavity. (Gr., perklion, a little pouch).

Peromle (of the stem), booted or sheathed by the volva or universal veil.
(L., pero, a sort of high shoe).

Plane (of the pileus), with a flat surface.

Pruinosc, as if finely powdered.

Pseudoparenchymatous, bearing a false resemblance to parenchyma. (G v., pseudos,
false) ,

Receptacle, a general term for the fruiting body. (L., recepLiculum, a reservoir).

Reflexed (of the margin of the pileus), turned up or back.

Reniform , kidney-shaped. (L., ren, the kidney).

OP SOOTH AUSTRALIA.

Repand (of the pilous), wavy on the margin and turned back or elevated.
Re$upinate (of the fruit-bodv), with the upper surface applied to the substratum,
the hvmenium facing outwards.

R esupin atc-re flexed (of the fruit body), partly resupinate, partly extending out
like a shelf.

l!lt iso morphs, visible strands or cords of compacted mycelium, often dark coloured,
penetrating a soft substratum or between portions of it, as between bark
and wood, etc.

Rimose (of the pileus), cracked. (L., rima, a lift or cleft).

Ri villose (of the pileus), marked with lines like a river-system on a map.

Rugose, coarsely wrinkled.

Rugulose, finely wrinkled.

Saprophyte, a plant which lives on dead vegetable or annual matter.

Scabrous (of the pilous), rough with short rigid projections.

SeissUe, capable of being cut or divided smoothly by a sharp instrument.
(L., semdere , to cut or split).

Sclerotia, resting bodies composed of a hardened mass of hyphae from which
fruit bodies may develop.

Secede (of the gills), when at first attached to the stem, i.e., adnate or adnexed,
but separating from it later.

Serrate (of the gills), with a saw-tooth-like edge.

Sessile (of the pileus), without a stem.

Setae, bristles. (L., seta).

Silky, covered with shining, close-fitting fibrils.

Sinuate (of the gills), with a bay-like indentation of the edges near the stem.
Sinuous , wavy, serpentine.

Spathulate, spatula-shaped; oblong with an attenuated base.

Sporophore, fruit-body.

Sqmmose, covered with scales.

Stipe, the stem (of mushroom-like fungi).

Stipitate, possessing a stem.

Striate (of the margin of the pileus), with radiating minute furrows or lines:
(of tiie stem), with longitudinal furrows.

Straight (of the margin of the pileus), not incurved.

Strigose, with coarse or thick, long, rather stiff hairs.

Stuffed (of the stem), when the axis is filled with n differentiated pith which
usually disappears in age leaving it hollow.

Stupose, composed of matted filaments. (L., stupa, tow).

Subicul u m, a more or less dense felt of hyphae covering the substratum, from
which the fruit-bodies arise.

Substratum, the substance in or on which the fungus grows, as soil, fallen leaves,
dung, wood, etc.

Subulate, awl-shaped.

Silicate (of the pileus or stem), grooved more than striate and less than plicate.
Sulcus, a deep furrow-like groove. (L., sulcus, a furrow).

Terete, round like a broom-handle.

Tomentose, densely covered with a matted woolliness or tomentum.

Trama, the fleshy or firm portion of the pileus or gills composed of hyphae.
Tremclloid, of a gelatinous consistency.

Tuberculate, bearing little knobs or ‘ protuberances. (L., Jubercutum dim. of
tuber, a protuberance or knob).

Turbinate, top-shaped. (L., turbo, a whipping top, spindle).

V mbilicate, with a central navet-like depression.

Umbo (of the pileus), a raised conical to convex knob or mound on the centre.
Unequal (of the gills), of different lengths, some reaching the stem others
shorter. ’

Tag mate (of the stem), provided with a long volva or sheath at the base.
Uelutinate, soft or velvety to the touch. (L., vellus, ;l fleece of wool.)
Ventricose (of the gills), with a projection in the middle of the free edge;

(of the stem), swollen or enlarged in the middle.

Verrvcose, warty.

Villose, covered with long, soft, weak hairs.

Viscid, sticky.

tVaxy (of the gills), of a. consistency that can be partially or wholly moulded
or compressed into balls.

THE LARGER FI'XGI

The Classification of the Higher Fungi.

The fungi dealt with in this Handbook are divided into two great; groups
depending on whether the spores are borne on the outside of a special cell called
the baskl iu m or are contained within a sac-lilce cell known as the asms. The
former constitute the Basidiomycetae. and in the majority of the species the
number of spores attached to each basidium is four, and the attachment of each
is by a delicate thread-like structure the sterigmu. The latter form the
Ascomycetac. and here ihe number of spores contained in each ascus is frequently
eight. It is obvious that a microscopic examination is necessary to determine
definitely whether a particular species belongs to the Basidiomycetae or the
Ascomycetac. The outward form, however, is nearly always distinctive so that,
any one possessing a reasonable acquaintance with the genera can at once recog-
nise to which of the two a particular species belongs. Tims most- of the large
fleshy fungi wit'll a cap and a stem belong to the Basidiomycetae, and we can
relegate them with certainty to this division if the spore-beuriug surface consists
of gills or pores or teeth. Very few of the Asconiycetes have what might be
called a cap and a stem and these, for example MorohrUa and Leotia, having
nothing resembling gills, pores, or teeth.

In the more recent classification adopted by Rea in his “British Basidiomy-
cetae,’’ this large group are primarily divided into two main divisions, the
Homobasidiae and the Heterobasidiae. In the former the basidium is an
undivided usually club-shaped body and the spores in germination give rise to a
mycelium which reproduces the sporophore. In the Heterobasidiae the basidia
are divided transversely, longitudinally or vertically or are sometimes continuous,
but the spores in germinating give rise to secondary spores (sporidiola) and
from these the fruit -bodies are developed.

The Homobasidiae are divided into the parasitic forms, the Exobasidiineac,
and the saprophytic forms, the Eu-Homobasidiineae. The former, parasitic on
living leaves, &c., and producing galls thereon, will hot be dealt with in this
Handbook — -in fact, no species are recorded for the State. The latter are divided
into three orders, tire Gasteromycetales, the Agaricales, and the Aphyllophorales.

In the Gasteromycetales, the hymenium or spore-bearing part is enclosed at
maturity in a peridium or covering which finally ruptures or disintegrates and
only then can the spores escape. Well-known examples are the puff-balls

(Lycoperdon) and earth-stars (Gt-aster). In the Agaricales the hymenium is at
first protected by a veil, but at maturity it, is fully exposed. This protection in
the early stage is strikingly shown in the common mushroom (Psattiota campestris) .
In some agarics it may be necessary to examine the fruiting body in a very early
stage of its development to see the veil-like covering of the gills which soon
disappears. In the Aphyllophorales, the spore-bearing surface is exposed from
the first. Examples of this Order are t lie woody bracket-fungi.

la the older classification, the Basidiomycetae were divided into the
ltymenomycetae, in which the spores were freely exposed at maturity, and into
tlie (kisteromycetae in which they were enclosed. The B-gmenomycetae were then
divided according as to whether the hymenium was spread over gills, or lined
tubes, or covered spines, etc. Ail the genera in which the hymenium lined tubes
were comprised in the Polyporaeeae, including thus the soft fleshy Boleti and
the woody or firm Polypori under one heading. The newer classification adopted
by Rea places the Boleti near under the Agaricales and the other pore-bearing
genera under Aphyllosphorales, inferring that the resemblance, in the shape of
pores, is an example of convergence and is not an indication of close kinship.

Again, in the old classification the agarics proper were divided primarily
according to the colour of the spores into white, pinkish or salmon-coloured, green,
brown, purplish or porphyry -tin ted, and black or blackish spored genera, the last
two colour-groups being often combined into one. Then the genera under each
of these subdivisions were differentiated according as to whether the stem was
readily separated, was “free,’’ from the liymonophore or cap, or was continuous
with it, and if the latter condition was present whether the flesh of the stem was
or was not of the same texture with that of the cap. The presence or not of a
sheath (volva) at the base of the stem or (and) ring (annulus) higher up on
the stem, die method of attachment of the gills to the stem, the position of the
stem as regards the cap (central, extent rie, lateral, or even with the stem absent
altogether) and other morphological features of importance all served the purnose

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

of dividing the large number of species into more or less smaller groups or genera
whose members showed in common major characteristics suggesting that they
were closely related phylog'enetieally, i.c., during the course of evolution, to
each other. It thus came about that a genus Lepiota characterised by white spores,
a free hvmenophore (the stem being readily “dislocated” from the cap), a ring
on the stem and no volva was considered as having closer affinities with, as being
more nearly related to, all the other genera with white spores than with the genus
PsaUiola, to which the common mushroom belongs, which differs only in having
purplish-brown instead of white spores. As many species of these two genera
are so like each other in general appearance, habitat, etc., that it is necessary to
ascertain the colour of the spores before being able to decide to which one they
belong, it seems more likely that in the course of evolution the change in colour
of the spores was a later event than the possession of a volva or ring. Also, if
the spore-colour changes were the first to appear, then one would have to consider
the other features .just considered (volva, ring, eta.) as having occurred (or
perhaps rather as having disappeared) in several different lines of descent,
spontaneously and almost simultaneously, by a process of convergent evolution,
a phenomenon that: does occur in nature but does so only rarely, and is very
unlikely to do so along several different lines of descent. Rea has consequently
placed close together, as showing intimate relationship, the genera with a free
hymenophore, then those with a volva and ring, or a volva only, or a ring only
and so on with the other characteristics, leaving the spore colour as a final means
of separating what may be called sister genera. The old classification was an
artificial though convenient one, but that adopted hv Rea shows the relationship
more truly. An ideal classification is one which will show clearly the true
relationships between the various families, genera, etc., concerned— passing from
the less differentiated and presumably more archaic forms to end with the most
highly specialised — and at the same time be convenient. Though agreeing as
to the correctness of the classification that Rea adopted in dealing with the
agarics, we have decided as a matter of convenience to follow the older method
of dividing the agarics primarily according to llic colours of the spores.

We have also decided to follow the older classification in leaving the Soldi
with the Polypori generally as a group characterised by a pore-bearing hymeninm.
We do this not only as a matter of expediency, but also because we think that
they are closely related phylogenetically.

P. Claussen, in Bngler and Prantl’s “Die Naturliehen Pflanzenf amilien , ’ ’
(1 Band, 1928, gives the following main classification of the fungi.

DIVISION EUMYCES (EUNGI).

Class I. — Rhyoomycetes. (Moulds, &c.)

Class II. — Ascojiycetes. (Spores developed in small sacs or asei.)

C la s s I II. — -Photo m y cet f. s .

Class I V. — BAsinroAtYcETES.

Sub-class 1. Demibasidii (Smut’s and Rusts).

Sub-class 2. Eubasidii (Mushrooms, Puff-balls, etc.).

Iu the present work we are concerned with Sub-class 2, Eubasidii, of Class IV.
(Basidiomycetes). A few large and striking species of Class II. (Ascomycetes)
will also be considered as coming under the heading of the larger fungi.

'Phe Sub-class 2, Eubasidii, comprises a single Order, the Hymen o mycetea e, and
this is subdivided by Claussen into seven Sub-orders. These seven Sub-orders
may be placed in the two divisions employed by Rea, the Heterobasidine com-
prising the Sub-order Trent ollineae, and the Homobasidiae, including the rest' of
these Sub-orders. The Homobasidiae, following Rea in part, may lie divided
again into the Gasteromycetaies, comprising his Sub-orders Phalli neat*, Nidularineae,
Lycoperdiueae, Tiynienogastrineae, and Scleroderma tinea e, in which the hymeninm
is enclosed with a covering or peridium at maturity, and into the Hymenomycetales,
comprising his Sub-order ITymenoniyeetmeap, in which the hymeninm is fully
exposed at maturity though it may be enclosed in the young stage.

In this Handbook, it has been decided to combine sonic of the features of the
classifications adopted by Rea and by Claussen. To the former’s “British
Basidiomyeetae ” we are indebted for most’ of the tabular arrangement and
definitions above specific rank.

In the case of genera which are not defined by Rea because they do not occur
in Britain, S. Killermann, in Mugler and Prantl’s “Die Naturliehen Pflanzen-
familien, ” 6 Band, 1928, has in the main been followed. The arrangement and
definitions in the Gasteromycetaies are those adopted by Dr. G. TI. Cunningham.

THE LARGER FUNGI

BASIDIOMYCETAE.

1. Basidia simple; spores giving rise to a mycelium

oil germination . . . . HOMOBASIDIAE.

2. Basidia longitudinally divided, transversely septate

or simple; spores producing sporidiola on

germination HETEROBASIDIAE.

ASCOMYCETAE.

Only dealt with incidentally, a few of the larger and more conspicuous
members being alone considered.

BASIDIOMYCETAE.

HOMOBASIDIAE.

*EU-HOMOBASIDIINEAE.

Saprophytes.

1. Hymenium at first covered by a universal or partial
veil becoming fully exposed at maturity, or
exposed from the first, spread over the surface of
gills, pores, or teeth, or over a smooth or rough

surface Hymenomycetales.

2. Hymenium enclosed within a peridium at maturity . Gasteromycetales.

**EXOBASIDIINEAE.

Parasites.

3. Hymenium effused, rarely consisting of basidia

only. Parasitic on leaves, &c Exobasidiales.

(Not dealt with in
this Handbook.)

HETEROBASIDIAE.

1. Basidia transversely septate, cylindrical, straight,

or curved Auriculariales.

2. Basidia longitudinally cruciately divided, subglobose Tkemellales.

3. Basidia simple, subglobose, with 2-4 very thick,

stout' sterigmata. Spores producing sporidiola on

germination Tulasnellales.

4. Basidia simple, cylindrical, with two long, pointed

sterigmata. Spores always becoming septate on
germination, and producing sporidiola Calocerales.

HOMOBASIDIAE.

EU-HOMOBASIDIINEAE.

Hymenomycetales.

(Comprises the Hyrmenomycetineae, except the Exobasidiaceae, in Engler and
Prantl.)

Hymenium spread over the surface of gills or gill-like

folds Agaricaceae.

Hymenium lining the inside of tubes, pores, or pore-
like spaces Polyporaceae.

Hymenium spread over the surface of spines, granules,
warts, or other protuberances, the intervening spaces
fertile. Receptacle fleshy, coriaceous, waxy, crus-
taceous, or floceose, rarely none ' Hydnaceae.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Hymenium spread over a smooth, rugose, or ribbed
surface, either resting upon an intermediate layer of

hyphae running longitudinally between it and the

mycelium or seated directly upon the mycelium . . Thelephoraceae.

Hymenium covering the whole of the interior of cup-
shaped, urceolate, or cylindrical receptacles, smooth
or veined Cyphellaceae.

Receptacle erect, dendroid, coralloid, simple, or
branched, never pileate ; hymenium more or less
amphigenous Clavariaceae.

AGARICACEAE.

I. Hymenium inseparable from the pileus, spread over the
surface of broad gills acute at the margin.

1. Receptacle fleshy, trama not vesiculose and not traversed by
laticiferous vessels, not membranaceous, not rapidly putre-
scent, not tough or woody.

A. Spores white. — Leucosporae.

a. Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy

stem.

With a ring on the stem and a volva at the base of the

stem Amanita.

With a volva at the base of the stem but no ring Amanitopsis.

With a ring on the stem but no volva Lepiota.

With a fugacious ring, not manifest in the adult state,

and no volva Hiatvla.

Without a ring or volva Schulzeria.

b. Pileus confluent and homogeneous with the central
fleshy stem.

With a membranous ring on the stem Armillaria.

Without a ring.

Gills sinuate Tricholoma.

Gills decurrent or adnato-decurrent by a tooth.

Hymenium not waxy or pulverulent Glitocybe.

Hymenium pulverulent Laccaria.

Hymenium waxy Hygrophorus.

c. Pileus confluent with, but heterogeneous from, the
central cartilaginous stem.

Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate.

Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding

the S ills - Collybia.

Margin of pileus straight, at first adpressed to the

s ^ em Mycena.

Gills decurrent Omphalia.

d. Pileus confluent with the excentric or lateral stem or

dimidiate, sessile or resupinate Pleurotus.

B. Spores pink or salmon-coloured — Rhodosporae.

a. Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy

stem.

\\ ith a volva at the base of the stem but no ring . . Volvaria.

With a ring on the stem but no volva Annularia.

Without a ring or volva Pluteus

b. Pileus confluent and homogeneous with the fleshy stem.

Gills sinuate Entoloma.

Gills decurrent or adnato-decurrent by a tooth Clitopilus.

c. Bileus confluent with, but heterogeneous from, the carti-
laginous stem.

Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate.

Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the

■ 1 1 °

; * * • • hcptoma.

Margin of pileus straight, at first adpressed to the stem Nolanea.

Gills decurrent Eccilia

d. Pileus confluent with the excentric or lateral stem, or

dimidiate, sessile or resupinate Claudopus.

THE LARGER FUNGI

0. .Spores green — C hlorosporae.

a. 1 ’ileus distinct and easily separable from the fleshy stem.

AVith a ring on the stem but no volva

Without a ring on volva

D. Spores brown. — O chrosporae.

a. Pileus distinct and easily separable from the fleshy stem.

AAfith a volva at the base of the stem but no ring ....

Without a ring or a volva

b. Pileus confluent and homogeneous with the central
fleshy stem.

Wit h a membranous ring on the stem.

Spores ferruginous, rough ; general veil persistent
Spores ochraceous or ferruginous, generally
smooth ; general veil none or fugacious

With an arachnoid or filamentous general veil.

(1) . Veil forming an arachnoid, fugacious ring on
the stem.

Spores ochraceous or ferruginous

(2) . Veil concrete with the epidermis of the
pileus.

Spores ochraceous or ferruginous, elliptical, smooth
Spores ochraceous or ferruginous, irregular,

annular, echinulate or verrucose

Gills sinuate

Gills decurrent or adnato-decurrent by a tooth

c. Pileus confluent with, but heterogeneous from, the
central cartilaginous stem.

Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate.

Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the

gills

.Alargin of pileus straight, at first adpressed to the stem
Gills decurrent

d. Pileus confluent with the excentric or lateral stem or

dimidiate, sessile or resupinate

E. Spores purplish or fuscous — P orphybosporae.

a. Pileus distinct and easily separable from the fleshy stem .

With a ring on the stem and a volva at the base of the

stem

With a volva at the base of the stem but no ring ....

With a ring on the stem but no volva

Without a ring or a volva

b. Pileus confluent and homogeneous with the fleshy stem.

With, a membranous ring on the stem

Gills sinuate

Gills decurrent or adnato-decurrent by a tooth.
Spores greenish fuscous or blackish, gills mucila-
ginous

c. Pileus confluent with, but heterogeneous from, the
cartilaginous stem.

Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate.

Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the

gills

Margin of the pileus straight, at first adpressed to the
stem

Ohlorophyllum.
Glaucospora
( Chlorospora ■)

Locellinia

( Acetabularia ).
Pluteolus.

Rozites.

Pholiota.

Cortinarius.

Inocybe.

Astrosporina.
Hebeloma .
Flammida .

Naucoria.

Galera.

Tubaria.

Grepidotus.

Ohitoniella.

Clarkeinda

(Chitonia).

Pscdliota.

Pilosace.

Stropharia.

Hypholoma.

Gomphidius.

Psilocybe.

Psathyra.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

F. Spores black or blackish. — M elanospora e.

a. Pileus distinct and easily separable from the fleshy stem.

With a ring on the stem but no volva

b. Pileus confluent with, but heterogeneous from, the
cartilaginous stem.

Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the

gills

Margin of the pileus straight, at first, adpressed to the
stem

2. Receptacle fleshy, trama vesiculose and traversed by lati-
ciferous vessels. Spores white or yellow.

Latex watery, uncoloured

Latex milk-white or coloured, rarely like serum

3. Receptacle membranous or fleshy membranous, fragile,
rapidly putrescent or shrivelling up or drying rigid and
friable.

Spores ochraceous or ferruginous, receptacle shrivelling up
Spores black or blackish-fuscous. Gills auto-digested

from below upwards

Spores black. With a volva, the stem expanding above to
form a flat disc from whose edge the gills radiate without
a covering cuticle, receptacle becoming rigid and friable. .

4. Receptacle membranaceous, tough, reviving with moisture,
not putrescent. Spores white.

Pileus with a thin unspecialized cellular pellicle

Pileus with a thick cellular pellicle.

Cells of the pellicle upright, echinulate or verrucose . . .

Cells of the pellicle decumbent, very long, fibrillose . . .
Pileus subgelatinous-leathery, stem horny

5. Receptacle coriaceous, fleshy coriaceous or woody. Spores
white.

Gills with crisped folds

Gills with the edges longitudinally split

Gills black

Pileus fleshy coriaceous ; gills somewhat soft

Pileus membranaceous coriaceous ; gills coriaceous,

branched, obtuse

Pileus coriaceous or woody, pliant ; gills firm, often
toothed

II. Hymenium inseparable from the pileus, spread over the
surface of narrow, obtuse gills or folds.

Spores white.

Receptacle fleshy, stipitate ; gills simple. Parasitic on

other Agarics

Receptacle fleshy, stipitate ; gills forked

Receptacle fleshy, membranaceous, funnel-shaped or

umbilioate. Hymenium veined or smooth

Receptacle membranaceous, spathulate or cup-shaped,
pendent. Hymenium veined or smooth

Spores ochraceous.

Receptacle fleshy coriaceous, stipitate. Hymenium fold-
like

IIT. Hymenium soft, separable from the pileus.

Gills often anastomosing by veins to form irregular pores,
especially near the apex of the stem. Spores white,
ochraceous or ferruginous.

Without cystidia

With cystidia

Annellciria.

Panaeolus.

Psathyrella.

Russula .
Lactarius.

Bolbitius.

Coprinus.

Montagnites.

Marasmius.

Androsaceus

( Marasmius p.p.)
Crinipellis.
Heliomyces.

Trogia ( Plicatura ).
Schizophyllum.
Anthracophyllum.
Panus.

Xerot/us.

Lentinus.

Nyctalis.

Oantharellus.

Cmterellus.

Didyolus
( Oantharellus p.p.)

Neurophyllu m.

Paxillus.

Phylloporus.

THE LARGER FUNGI

Systematic Description of the Species of Agaricaceae

(Toadstools and Mushrooms and other Gilled Fungi).

BASIDIOMYCETAE.

Fungi reproduced by spores borne on basidia.

HOMOBASIDIAE.

Basidia simple ; spores on germination giving rise to a mycelium.

EU-HOMOBASIDIINEAE.

Saprophytes.

HYMENOMYCETALES.

Hymenium at first covered by a universal or partial veil becoming fully
exposed at maturity, or exposed from the first, spread over the surface of gills,
pores or teeth, or over a smooth or rough surface.

AGARICACEAE.

“Hymeniuan spread over the surface of gills radiating from a stem or a
central point. Receptacle fleshy, or membranaceous or coriaeeus, fragile
or firm or tough, putrescent or not putrescent, reviving with moisture or not,
and sometimes containing laticiferous vessels; consisting of a pileus with or
without a central or lateral stem, and sometimes with a volva or ring, and with
broad gills acute at the margin or narrow obtuse gills or folds. Growing on
the ground or on wood ’ ’ — Rea.

I. Hymenium inseparable from the pileus, spread over the surface
of broad gills acute at the margin.

1. Receptacle fleshy, trama not vesiculose and not traversed by laticiferous
vessels, not membranaceous, not rapidly putrescent, not tough or woody.

A. SPORES WHITE. LEUCOSPORAE.

(a) Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy stem.

*With a ring on the stem and a volva at the base of the stem.

AMANITA (Pers.) Er.

(Probably from Mount' Anmnus in Cilicia.)

‘ ‘ Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central, fleshy. Ring membranaceous, adnate,
persistent or rarely fugacious. Volva membranaceous, free or adnate, persistent
or friable. Gills free or subadnate or decurrent by a tooth, intermediate gills
cut squarely behind. Spores white rarely tinged greenish, globose or subglobose,
or oval or elliptical, smooth or very rarely verrucose. Cysitilia subglobose or
cylindrical ventrieose. Growing on the ground.” — Rea.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

This is a very important genus on account of its containing several highly
poisonous species, one of which at least, A. muscaria, has been found at Aldgate
in this State. Its members may be recognised by the presence of both a ring
and a vulva (which may later almost disappear) and by the spores being white.
The gills also are usually white or whitish, but may be tinted. In some species
their colour may be a faint pink tint, and it is perhaps due to the mistaken
inclusion, when gathering mushrooms, of young specimens showing such a colour
or having a general resemblance to the common mushroom that has led to the
few fatal cases of Agaric poisoning known in Australia.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Volva sheathing, ample. Ring definite.

Pileus whitish with a biscuity tint. Spores
relatively narrow, 10 to 13 x 5.5 to 6 > . . . . I. Amanita anffustispora.

I ’ileus and ring drab-coloured. Spores 10.5 to 12 x

8 2. A. cinereo-annulosa.

Volva rarely sheathing, usually floccose, friable or
evanescent.

Pileus scarlet or orange, covered with fragments of

the volva 3. A. muscaria.

Pileus reddish-brown or dingy reddish-brown with
grey, white, or yellow mealy patches. Flesh
turning reddish 4. A. rubescens.

Pileus pinkish buff, pale fawn, biscuity or pale
ochre. Gills becoming buff yellow. Spores 10 to
13.5 x 6 to 7 /j- 5. A. ochrophylla.

Pileus drab, hair brown, bistre or nearly chocolate-
colour with often greyish or whitish fragments
of tlie volva. Volva rarely sheathing, some-
times nearly absent. Ring marked or evanes-
cent. Spores 11 to 15 x 9 to 13 V . 6. A. grisca.

Pileus white or whitish.

Beset with prominent shaggy warts.

Pileus whitish with a silvery sheen. Sour

smell. Spores 8.5 to 11 x 0.8 to 9 /j. . . 7. A. grossa.

Beset with scattered often villose warty

patches or surface dull in places.

Pileus whitish or slightly biscuity. No
sour smell. With a prominent conical

root. Spores 9 to 11 x 5.5 to 7 g. . , 8. A. conico-bulbosa.

Surface smooth or mealy.

Gills straw yellow. Pileus white . . . . 9 .A. straminea.

Gills white.

Pileus up to 5in., white with tints of
fawn or pearly grey, mealy. Stem
very mealy 10. A. farinacea.

Pileus under 2in., pallid brownish to
nearly white, mealy. Stem sub-
mealy 11 . A. subaTbida.

(a) Margin of volva free, persistent. Pileus generally naked.

1. Amanita angustispora Olel. (L,, angustus, narrow). — Pileus J to 2in.
(1.8 to 5 cm.), irregularly convex, then nearly plane or with the centre depressed,
viscid when moist, subfibrillose round the edge, whitish with a slightly biscuity-
brown tint in the centre, or with a pale chocolate or greyish-brown tint. Gills
just reaching the stem to adnexed or nearly adnate, moderately closci, not
ventrieose, edges serrate in one collection, -jin. or more (7 mm.) deep, white
with -a slight cream tint. Stem 1* to 2jin (3.7 to 6.2 cm,), equal, moderately
stout to moderately slender (fin. to §in., 10 to 12.5 cm. thick), mealy and gill-
marked above the definite dependent white superior or nearly median rin«-
slightly fibrillose below, solid, base bulbous, lin. (2.5 cm.) long, Sin. ( 1.9 enV)
thick, rounded below or with n conical root. Volva usually sheathing, ample,

THE LARGER FUNGI

whitish. Smell slightly strong. Spores elliptical, narrow for the length, ;i to
13 x 5.5 to 6 Deeply rooting in sandy soil. South Australia — Encounter
Bay, Ivinehina, National Park, near Mount Burr (South-East). May, July,
August, September.

The species is characterised by the medium size, the whitish p ileus with
a biscuit-coloured tint, the ample sheathing vulva, and microscopically by the
relatively narrow spores.

2. Amanita cinereo-annulosa Clel. (L. oinereus, drab; anmdosus, ringed). —
Pileus 2 to Sirin. (5 to 8.2 cm.), more or less plane, sometimes subiunbouale or
slightly depressed in the centre, polished, occasionally with thin membranous
patches of the universal veil, Drab (xlvi.), but mostly paler. Gills .just
reaching the stem, moderately close, up to 1 cm. deep, white to creamy white.
Stem 3J to 54in. (8.7 to 13*7 cm.), stout (1.5 to 2 cm. thick), slightly
attenuated upwards, slightly hollow, somewhat bulbous at the base, deeply root-
ing, with an ample sheathing vulva, striate and usually tinted drab above] the
ring, whitish and fibrillosc below. Bing ample, rather distant, Drab (xlvi.).
Spores, elliptical, 10.5 to 12 x 8 y, In sandy soil. South Australia — Encounter
Bay. May.

Distinguished by the drab-coloured pileus and ring, deeply-rooting stem,
and ample sheathing volva.

(V) Volva circumscissile or fugacious. Pileus generally covered with

FRAGMENTS OF THE VOLVA.

No South Australian species recorded.

(rj Volva kloccose or. friable. Pileus floccose or verrucose with the

FRAGMENTS OF THE 'VOLVA, RARELY NAKED.

Amanita muscaria (L.) Fr. (L. musva, a fly). — “Pileus 4 to Sin. (10 to
20 cm.), fleshy, viscid, globose, then convex and at length flattened, margin
slightly striate when mature, scarlet or orange, covered with white or yellowish
fragments of the volva. Gills free but reaching the stem, crowded, thick,
broader in front, minutely denticulate, white, rarely becoming yellow. Stem
4 to bin. (10 to 22 cm.), firm, often torn into scales, apex striate, base
bulbous, encircled by several concentric rings formed from the fragments, of
the volva, white or yellowish. Ring white, yellowish on the exterior, superior,
very soft, torn, somewhat striate. Flesh white, yellow under the epidermis.
Spore® elliptical, apiculate, white, 8 ,to 10 x 6 to 7 y.. Taste mild. Very

poisonous ’ — Rea. South Australia. — Under exotic trees (oak and spruce),
Aldgate. March.

This is a remarkably handsome and striking species, readily recognised, and
almost certainly introduced.

4. Amanita rubescens (Pers.) Fr. (E., rwbescens, becoming red).— Pileus 31. to
4in, (s to 10 cm.), convex, sometimes umbonat'e, then plane, splitting, moist,
margin slightly striate when old, reddish-brown covered with membranous-warty,
paler patches of the volva. Gills up to Jin. (1.2 cm.) deep, just reaching the
stem with traces of decurrent teeth, moderately crowded, soft', white spotted with
reddish-brown. Stem 3 to 4in. (7.5 to 10 cm.)’ fin. (15 ram.) thick in the middle,
slightly attenuated upwards, bulbous below (lin., 2.5 cm., thick or more),
squamitlose, reddish-brown, darker below. Ring somewhat distant, lax", soft,
membranaceous, whitish or reddish -white. Volva evanescent, often as only a
raised rim, reddish-brown. Flesh turning reddish. Taste sweet. Spores
subspherieal to elliptical, 9.3 x 6.5 g., 7.5 g. Edible, but caution recommended.
South Australia — Under chestnuts, Mount Lofty. Europe. March, April.

5. Amanita ochrophylla (Cke. et Mass.). (L., oohra, ochre; Gr. phyllon, a leaf
— a hybrid combination). — Pileus up to 9fin. (24.4 cm.), campanulate when young,
then convex and expanded to nearly plane, sometimes slightly umbonato, when
young with flukes or large adhering scales or coarse projecting warts (the
remains of the volva), often with remains of the veil leaving a fretted margin
at the edge of the pileus, pinkish buff, pale fawn, biscuit colour or pale ochre.
Gills free or just adnexed, 1.5 cm. deep, crowded, white to cream, becoming
ochraccous (buff yellow) when old (between Light Buff and Cinnamon Buff, xv.).
Stem to Birrs. (15 cm.) or more, stout, up to 11 to ljin. (3.1 to 3.7 cm.) in

OF SOI TI1 AUSTRALIA.

diameter above the bulbous base to 24 to 3}ins, (ti.2 to 9.4 cm.) at the base,
striate above, mealy above when young, conical downwards, solid, the colour of
the pileus or light vinacoous cinnamon. Ring very prominent, about tin. (2.5 cm.)
from the pileus, dependent, double, striate. Flesh thick, sometimes tinted with
vinaceons russet. Indefinite remains of the volva, sometimes hardly recognisable,
forming pinkish-buff scaly remnants or lines round the turbinate base of the
stem. Smell strong'. Spores white, nearly subspherical to elliptical, 10 to 11.5 x
9.5 «., 9.5 to 1 /j.. After heavy rain. South Australia — Greenhill Road, Mount
Lofty, Kuitpo, Square Watcrholo, Willunga Hill, Waitpinga. Victoria —
Specimens apparently of this species with the pileus near Apricot-Buff (xiv.),
with the top of the stem similarly tinted, gills with a faint ochraceous tint, were
found on Princes Highway at the Smith Australian border, near Kiora Forest
Reserve, in March, 1931. New South Wales. March tc June. (Plate I.)

The very large size, marked ring, strong smell, and the colour make, the
recognition of the species easy.

(1. Amanita grisea Mass, et' Rod way. (L. griseus, grey). — Both in South Austra-
lia and New South Wales ill the autumn and early winter species of Amanita are
frequently met' with which have as a common feature a more or less evident drab
colour on the pileus. This colour may vary from only a slight greyish-brown tint
on a whitish background, to an almost uniform dark greyish-brown colour, some-
times almost approaching chocolate, but without a purplish cast. In addition
there are usually present also on the pilous adherent' whitish or pallid fragments
of the volva. The gills are cream-coloured, sometimes with a faint rosy tint.
The ring in the adult state may be evident and ample, or indefinite and flimsy,
or all vestiges of it may have disappeared. The volva is occasionally ample and
rather sheathing, or may be fragmented, or may he fugacious and no longer
recognisable. The spores are subspherical to elliptical, varying in size in dif-
ferent' collections from 9 to 15 x 7.5 to 13 m. As in some instances a definite ring
may be present without an obvious volva, or a volva without any sign of a ring,
or both may be present together, technically individual specimens might be
placed under Amanita, Amanitopsis, or even Lipwta. 'the first two of these
genera grade into each other, and some authors unite them as one under Amanita *
The plants we are considering have the habit of an Amanita, being stouter than
is usual amongst the species of LepkAa. They should all be placed therefore
under the genus Amanita. But do they all belong to one species of Amanita ?
This point must at present remain undecided. In the same locality and on the
same day, we may meet with specimens varying in the way indicated, though
usually those plants growing near each other present similar features. Hitherto
we have failed to detect any reliable criteria by which these plants can be
sepia rated specifically from each other. We consider them, then, as belonging
to a father variable species with a tendency to form local races. The more
characteristic features of the species consist in the greyish -brown or drab colour
of the pileus, the frequent but not invariable presence of patches of the volva
on the pilous, ami the large subspherical to elliptical spores.

W hat name should be attached to this continental species? In the Kcw
Bulletin for 1901 (p. 156) Alassee and Rodway described Amanita grisea from
Mount K nocklofty, Tasmania. Mr. Rodway ’s original notes from which the
Latin description was made, are as follows:- Pileus convex, 14iu. to 2in., surface
smooth, dull, shining, pale grey brown, cuticle distinct, margin incurved, substance
fleshy, hygrophanous. Stem 2 A i n ., solid, denser than pileus, white. Ring very
slight, arachnoid. Volva persistent round base. Gills bold, white, ventrieose,
adnexed. Spores white, spherical, smooth, 10 . A specimen collected at Brown’s
River, Tasmania, in January, 1928, in company with Mr. Rodway and referred
by him to A. grisea, resembled forms of our continental species so closely that I
considered it the same. The Tasmanian specimens seem to lack patches on the
pileus and to have a definite volva.

As indicating the varied features of the species, we give the following com-
posite description of collections from Beaumont Common (May, July), Mvpongu
(May), Kangarilla (October), and Mount Compass (May): — Pileus at first
globose, 2 Jin. (5.6 cm.), then convex, Jin. to 6in. (7.5 to 15 cm.), finally nearly
plane or even a little depressed, slightly viscid, with scattered flimsy, adpressed,
tomentose greyish-white fragments of the universal veil, edge not striate later
greyish and suWibrillose, shining when dry, greyish-brown to chocolate ’ (near
Bister, xxix.). Gills just adnexed, nearly free, no decurrent tooth, Jin. to fin.
(6 to 16 mm.) deep, slightly ventrieose, definitely cream-colored. Stem up to

THE LARGER FUNGI

Sili. (12.5 cm.), stout, uj> to 1 | hi. (3.1 tin.) thick, slightly attenuated upwards,,
base move or less bulbous ( 1 A in., 3.7 cm,, thick), fibrillose, marked by gill lines
above the ring, solid, white, or with tints of the pileus. Veil rupturing to form
an ample, membranous, median, often evanescent ring, or tending to cling to the
stem, gill-marked above, white or rather dingy. Volva at first with a free edge,
friable, evanescent. Spores subsplierical to elliptical with an oblique apiculus,
granular, 9 to 13 M , 15 x 11 to .13 M , .11 to 13 x 9 t'o 11 «, Sometimes eaten by
slugs.

The following is a description of specimens from the Glen Osmond hills, June,
1928: — At first turbinate with a large bulb (lfiii., 3.1cm., thick) and smaller
convex pale drab pileus with a mealy surface breaking up into warts on top,
veil present and a marg'inate volva. Later with a large bulb without a marginate
volva, the pileus drab with coarse whitish warts. When adult, pileus up to Sin.
(7.5 cm.), convex, the centre sometimes depressed, whitish, with -more or less of
a brownish or drab tint’, rather shining, with scattered warts or mealy patches.
Gills just adnexed or free, moderately close, deep, cream-coloured, sometimes with
a Ilesii tint. Stem slender (gin., 9 mm.) or stout (fin., IS mm.), mealy fibrillose,
base usually bulbous. Usually with no ring when adult but sometimes it is ample,
dependent, and superior. Spores subspherieal, 9 to 11 x 7.5 m.

Additional localities are: — Mount Lofty, National Park, Stirling West, Mvlor,
Coromandel Valley, Dashwood Gully, Kuitpo, Cleland’s Gully, Inman Valley,
Encounter Bay. March to August, October, November.

7. Amanita grossa Berk. (L., grossus, thick) . — Pileus 41 to 7in. (1.1. to 17.5 cm.),
globose, then convex, white sometimes with a. silvery sheen, shining, Covered with
scattered warts which have a broad base of puckered membrane and a projecting
ragged apex as if a piece of tissue paper had been twisted round with the
lingers, with large soft ragged fragments of the veil attached to the edge. Gills
just reaching the stem, moderately close, of a dirty creamy-white colour, drying
to a darker tint. Stem up to 6in. (15 cm.) high, up to If in. (4.4 cm.) thick
at the bulbous base and 1 in. (2.5 cm.) in the upper part, solid, mealy-white,
above sometimes with narrow ragged irregular rings from the veil, sometimes
with no ring, the upper part of the bulb smooth, the lower with concentric rings
of small warts. Spores subsplierical, 8.5 to 11 x 0.8 to 7'5 o., 8 to 9 v-. A strong
sour smell as of rancid butter. South Australia — Mount Lofty. New South
Wales. March, June, July.

The prominent shaggy warts, whitish colour, and sour smell serve to distinguish
this species.

8. Amanita conico-bulbosa Clel. (L., eonkus, conical; bulboslhs, bulbous). —
When young 2in. (5 cm.) in diameter, plano-convex with a deep rounded border
and edge turned in, slightly viscid when moist, finely villose, greyish white; base
of the stem very bulbous (ljin., 3.7 cm. thick), the root conical and 2}in. (5.6 cm.)
deep. When adult, pileus 2 to -tin. (5 to 10 cm.), slightly convex to a little
upturned or convex with the centre depressed, slightly viscid when moist, in
places smooth and shining, in others subvillose, with scattered warty patches often
villose at the base, or the whole surface dull with no flakes, cuticle peels, white
with a slight biscuity tint or chalky white, occasionally with a greyish-brown
tint. Gills just reaching the stem, attenuated towards it, close, 1 to Ain. (6 to
12.5 mm.) deep, ventrieosc, short ones at the periphery, creamy white, when
old with a bully tint in some lights, when dry brownish. Stem up to 3 to 5in.
(7.5 to 12.5 cm.), -Jin. (2.1 cm.) thick, slightly attenuated upwards, gill-marked
above, fibri.llose-scaiy to matt below, solid, white or whitish, bulb If to 1 Jin.
(3.1 to 3.7 cm.) thick, root up to Sin. (7.5 cm.) long, conical downwards. Ring
superior to median, ample, dependent, marked with gill-lines above, evanescent.
No obvious volva, or volva as a mealy-evanescent rim when young. Flesh white,
moderately thick (jin., 6 mm., or more), attenuated outwards. Smell sometimes
slightly fragrant, when cut somewhat phospliorus-like. Spores elliptical, white,
9 to 11.5 x 5.5 to 7 «. Partly buried in sand or in the ground. South Australia—
Kiuchina, Beaumont, Hindmarsh Valley. June to October.

This species is characterised by being greyisli-wliite when young, later white
with a slight biscuity or greyish -brown tint, and by having usually scattered
villose warty patches, no strong smell, and a very long conical root.

9. Amanita straminea Clel. (L., stnm.ihevis, straw-coloured), — Pileus up to 2, jin.
( 5 . 1 ! cm.), convex, then nearly plane with the centre slightly irregularly depressed,

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

f)1

surface dull, mealy when young, becoming smooth, white. Gills adnexed,
moderately close, alternate ones at the periphery short, up to fin. deep, near
Straw Yellow (xvi.). Stem up to 2 1 in. (5.8 cm.), rather slender (tin., 1 cm.,
thick above), nearly equal, base somewhat bulbous, somewhat mealy, solid,
white. Ring evident, dependent, membranous, subdistant, white. \ olva not
obvious, evidently friable. Flesh rather thin, white. Spores elliptical, with an
oblique apiculus, definitely slightly coloured yellow, 11 to 13 x 7.5 u.. On the
ground under shrubs. South Australia — Kinchina, Encounter Bay. June.

This species of Amanita is readily characterised by the straw yellow gills
contrasting with the white pilous, which is mealy when young. The volva is
evanescent.

10. Amanita farinacea Oke. et. Mass. (L., farinace-as, mealy). — Pilous up to
Sin. (12.5 cm.), convex, obtusely umbonate, mealy, sometimes with scattered
small conical warts, edge slightly turned in and often beset with fragments of
the veil, becoming smooth and shining, white with a tinge of fawn round the
edge to pearly grey, the warts slightly darker. Gills adnexed with lines down
the stem to just free, moderately close, white to pale cream. Stem up to Tin.
(17.5 cm,), up to lin. (2.5 cm.) thick, bulbous and conical below, very mealy up
to the gills, whose edges may also be mealy. Ring superior, fixed, sometimes
absent. Remains of flic free edge of the volva above the bulb or the volva
absent in the adult. Spores elliptical, 9.2 to 12 x 5.2 to 9.5 u. On the ground.

The above description is drawn up from New South Wales specimens. The
spores in the original description are given as “globose, 10 y.” Mount
Compass specimens, May, were pure white, the piieus ljin. (4.4 cm.), convex,
a little mealy, shining; gills cream-coloured, just reaching the stem; stem mealy
with a slightly bulbous base; ring definite; spores narrow elongated, with an
oblique apiculus, 13 to 17 x 4.5 to 5.5 u.

This species of Amanita is ‘conspicuously mealy both on the piieus and stem,
though the mealiness may disappear later from the pilous, leaving a smooth some-
times pearly-grey surface.

11. Amanita subalbida del. (L., subalbidus, somewhat whitish). — Piieus Ifin,
(4.4 cm.), irregularly convex, then nearly plane, with the centre somewhat
depressed, mealy with the remains of the universal veil^ piallid brownish to
nearly white. Gills just adnexed, close, rather narrow, white. Stem lin. (2.5
cm.), elongating from the hull) oils base to lfin. (4.4 cm.), rather short, fin.
(10 mm.) thick, sub-mealy, nearly equal when expanded, solid, white. Ring
superior, when young well-marked, membnnous, marked above with gill-lines,
tending to disappear. Volva disappearing, as a slight friable rim-like edge to
the bulb. Spores obliquely elliptical, white, 9.5 x 5.5 to 7.5 y. Half-buried
in sandy soil. South Australia — Kinchina, Upper Hindmarsli Valley. June,
September.

The species resembles . I . farinacea but is much smaller, the piieus is piallid
brownish to nearly white and the stem is less mealy.

**With a volva at the base of the stem.

AMANITOPSIS Roze.

( Amanita , the genus of this name; Gr., opsis, like.)

“Piieus fleshy, regular. Stem central, fleshy. Volva membranaceous, free,
lax, sheathing. Gills free or adnatc. Spiores white, globose or subglobose or
oblong elliptic, smooth, continuous. Growing on the ground” — Rea.

A genus readily recognised by the absence of a ring, the presence of a definite
volva and the white spores (and usually white gills). The species grade into
Amanita , in which genus specimens may he found lacking a ring which other
members of the same species may possess. In consequence some authors combine
the two under Amanita. We have one common and beautiful species of
Amanitopsis, A. imloheUa, usually rather small with a saffron-yellow to orange
piieus covered in parts with reddish-orange and white patc-hy remains of the
volva, a definite volva at the base of the stem and never any sign of a ring.
The common, usually large, drab or chocolate-coloured Amanita, grisea may often
be found in the Amanitopsis form without a ring and with a definite volva. The
edible mouse-grey Amanitopsis vaginal a and its white ally, A. nivalis, with ample
sheathing volvas and globose spores, occurring in Europe and in New South Wales
and other Australian States, have not yet been found in South Australia.

THE LARGER FUNGI

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus saffron-yellow or orange 12. .Lmamitopsis pulchclla.

Pileus pale butt'. Spores 13 x 7 y 13. A. sublutea.

Pileus livid or mousey-grey with large white or grey
fragments of the volva, edge striate. Spores globose,

10 to 12 /x 14. A. vaffinata.

Pileus drab-brown, bistre or chocolate. Spores 11 to

15 x 9 to 13 y Am anil op sis forms of

Amanita y risen.

12. Amanitopsis pulchella Cke. ct Mass (L., puh'heUus, diminutive of
beautiful). — Pileus 1 to 2iu. (2.5 to 5 cm.), convex, then expanded and nearly
plane, centre sometimes depressed, the edge sometimes striate, saffron-yellow to
orange, paling with age, with a few adherent reddish-orange and white warty or
patchy remains of the volva. Gills almost free, crowded, white or cream. Stem
li to 2 Jin. (3 to (3.2 cm.), expanding under the pileus where it may be streaked
by the gill attachments, hollow, white or pale yellowish. Volva usually obvious,
friable, adnate, marginate, the edge usually definite but irregular, frequently
orange-tinted. Spores subglobosc, thick-walled, 7 to 9 y. On the ground, often
under trees. South Australia — Mount Lofty Range, Baker's Gully (Clarendon),
Mount Compass, Second Valley Forest Reserve, Encounter Bay, Mount Burt
(S.E.), Kalangadoo. New South Vales. Victoria. May, June. August, October.

13. Amanitopsis sublutea Clel. (L., subluteus, somewhat yellow). — Pileus

1*1 to ljin. (3 to 4.3 cm.) broad, convex, becoming depressed a little in the centre,
sticky when moist, pale buff (a little deeper than Warm Buff, xv.) or white
with tints of yolk-yellow. Gills just reaching the stem, moderately close, becoming
slightly ventricose, white. Stem up to Ivin. (4.3 cm.), §in. (10 mm.) thick, equal,
mealy above, smooth below, white or a little buff-tinted below, bulb up to ;;in.
(19 mm.) thick, spherical, the colour of the pileus, edge just free. Flesh of
pileus rather thin, white, attenuated outwards. Spores oblique, 11 to 13.5 x 5.5
to 7 y. In sand. South Australia — Encounter Bay. May, August.

14. Amanitopsis vaginata (Bull.) Roze (L., vayina, a sheath), with pileus
livid or mouse-grey covered with white or grey fugacious fragment's of the volva,
the margin striate; gills white or greyish, free; stem white or grey with a large,
lax, often lobed, white or grey volva: and spores globose, 10 to 12 y, has been
recorded for Queensland, New South Vales, aud Victoria, but has not yet been
found iu this State. It is edible.

***Vith a ring on the stem.

LEPIOTA (Pers.) Fr.

(Gr., Icpis, a scale.)

''Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central. Ring membranaceous, free or adnate,
persistent or fugacious, always manifest in the adult stage. Gills free, adnate
or sinuato-aduate, often attached to a collar. Spores white, rarely pinkish or
ochraeeous, oval, elliptical, pip-.sliaped, fusiform, subreniform, deltoid, or pro-
jectile-shaped; continuous or with a germ-pore. Cystidia rare. Growing on the
ground, rarely on wood.” — Rea.

Species of the genus Lepiota are usually readily recognisable by the white
spores, a more or less obvious ring on the stem, the usually free gills, and the
stem readily separable from the pileus (much as if fitting into a socket). The
pileus is usually scaly, rarely smooth and still more rarely viscid. The ring may
be ample and movable on the stem, or may be flimsy and soon disappear. Some
of the species are quite large and moderately robust, others small, thin, and
delicate.

Several species of Lepiota are common witlx us. Lepiota procera, the Parasol
Agaric, is frequently to be found iu the National Park and elsewhere and is
edible — its large size, scaly cap and movable ring help in its recognition. A
whitish species, L. naucinu, is also common and may be mistaken for the common
mushroom, but the gills are whitish. It is said to be an edible species but has
not yet been knowingly eaten in Australia. L. cristata is a small rather delicate
ami elegant species with its cap variegated with reddish-brown scales. Several
other delicate species are to be met with, though never common, in our forests.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Epidermis dry.

Pileus squamulose or becoming broken up into
scales.

Ring more or less movable. Large stout
plants, Sin. or more in diameter.

Pileus up to oin., covered with dark-brown
scales, umbonate.

Ring ample. Stem up to Tin., pale
brownish. Spores 15 to 22.5 x 9.5
to 11 p 15. Lepiota procera.

Ring fixed. Medium to small plants.

Not becoming red when bruised or cut.

Spores usually more than 9 p long.

Pileus with dark-brown to blackish
scales, umbonate. Ring imper-
fect. No bulb. Spores 8 to

11 x 3.5 to 4.5 p 16. L. Exocarpi.

Pileus with earthy-brown scales.

Ring definite. Bulbous base to
stem. Spores 9.3 to 10.5 x

5.5 to 7 p 17. L. bulbosa.

Spores under 9 p long.

Pileus with reddish-brown scales,
massed on the disc, 4 to 2iin.

Stem whitish or rufeseent.

Spores 5 to 8.5 x 3 to 4 /i.

Not discoloured in drying . . 18. L. oristata.

Pileus with brown fibrillose scales
like L. cristate/. Stem with
shaggy fibrils. Spores 5.5 x

3.7 p 19. L. suberistata.

Pileus with dark reddish-brown
scales, up to 2in. Stem whitish,
pale brownish below. Spores 5
to 6 x 3.4 p. Discoloured dark

dingy in drying 20. L. discolorata.

Pileus with fawn, vinaceous fawn
or mikado brown scales, up to
14in. Stem whitish, fibrillose.

Spores 6.4 to 7 x 3.8 p . . . . 21. L. cervicolor.
Pileus w r ith dark grey scales, 4in.

Stem whitish. Spores 5.5 x

3.5 /u, 22; L. nigro-cinerea.

Pileus with sooty-brown scales,

nearly lin. Stem short, whitish.

Spores 5.5 x 3.5 p 23. L. fubiginosa.

Pileus and stem pinkish cinna-
mon to tawny, subfloceose or
with minute scales, ring in-
definite, stem fibrillose. Spores

5.5 to 7 x 4 p 24. L. cinnamonea.

Becoming red when bruised or cut;

Pileus with crimson-lake scales. Spores

5.5 to 7 x 3.5 to 4 p 25. L. haemorrhagica

Pileus not or rarely squamulose, often granular,
mealy or pruinose.

Large stout plants.

Pileus up to 34in., soft, white often with
traces of brown. Ring ample, fixed.

Gills creamy-white becoming brownish.

Stem 3in., swollen at the base. Spores
9 to 11 x 5.6 to 6.5 p 26. L. naucina.

THE LARGER Fl'NGI

Pilous 2in,, white becoming brownish.

Gills white becoming light buff. Stem
3in., equal, slender. Spores 9 to 10 x
5.5 to (i m . 27. L. erminca.

Small plant's.

Altogether white or whitish.

Stem relatively long (ljin.). Pilous
Jin., umbonate, smooth or slightly
fibrillose. Spores 7 x 3.5 g . . . . 28. L. parvannulata.

Stem about 1 j in. Pilous Jin., with a
broad umbo, pallid whitish. Spores

5.5 x 3.5 p 29. L. umbonata.

Stem under Jin. ['ileus Jin. White

fibrils clothing pilous and stem . . 30. L. albo-flbrillosa.

Epidermis viscid.

No South Australian species as yet recorded.

A. Epidermis dry.

*Pileus squamulose or becoming broken up into scales.

(a) Bing movable, distinct from tiif. volva; apex of the stem surrounded

BY A CARTILAGINOUS COLLAR.

15. Lepiota procera Scop. (L., procerus, tall). — Pileus up to Sin, (12.5 cm.),
at first conico-convex, then convex, umbonate, covered with dark brown fibrillose
scales, the umbo uniformly dark brown. Gills free, close, white becoming dis-
coloured. Stem up to 7 Jin. (18.7 cm.), relatively slender, attenuated upwards,
striate, hollow, pale brownish. Ring ample, median or median superior, fixed,
then movable. Spores thick-walled, oval, 15 to 22.5 x 9.5 to 11 p. On the ground
amongst grass usually under trees. Edible. South Australia — National Park,
hills near Mount Lofty, Kuitpo, Willunga Hill, Encounter Bay, Kinchinn, Inman
Valley, Mount Bun- (S.E.) (in Films insignia Dough forest). Victoria — Ararat.
April to August.

The Parasol Mushroom is readily recognised by its large size, relatively slender
stem with a prominent usually movable ring on it, convex umbonate pileus with
brownish scales, and whitish free gills. It is not uncommon in our National Park.
Specimens from this locality have been eaten by the author and were found to
be very palatable.

( b ) Bing fixed, homogeneous with the universal veil which clothes the

STEM; APEX OF THE STEM WITHOUT A CARTILAGINOUS COLLAR; PILEUS

TORN INTO SCALES OR FLOCCI.

16. Lepiota Exocarpi Clel. (Exocarpus, the generic name of the native
cherry). — Pileus J to ljin. (1.8 to 3.1 cm.), broadly conico-convex or convex,
finally nearly plane, gibbous to umbonate, covered with very dark brown to
blackish fibrous to warty scales (Warm Sepia, xxix., to nearly black), the scales
near the periphery disclosing the Orange Cinnamon (xxix.) cuticle beneath. Gills
just free, ventricose, moderately close, creamy white. Stem up to ljin. (3.1 cm.),
slender to moderately stout, librously striate, slightly hollow, below clad with
scattered scales as on the pileus, reddish brown. Bing imperfect, distant. Flesh
of stem reddish brown, of pileus whitish under the umbo. Spores elliptical,
oblique, narrow, ends pointed, not tliick-walled, S to 11 x 3.5 t'o 4.5 p. South
Australia — Under Exocarpus cupressiformis Labill. (Native Cherry) in leaf
mould, Mount Lofty; under trees, Adelaide Parklands. June, July. (Figure 6B.)

A small species characterised by the dark brown scales of the pileus on an
orange cinnamon background, reddish-brown stem somewhat scaly below and
spores 8 to 11 x 3.5 to 4.5 p.

17. Lepiota bulbosa del. (L., bulbosus, bulbous). — -Pileus tin. (2.5 cm.),
convex, pale earthy-brown with scattered villose scales. Gills barely reaching the
stem, close, slightly ventricose, creamy white. Stem Jin. (18 mm.) with the bulb,
slender, under Jin. (6 mm.) thick, bulb Jin. (12.5 mm.) thick, white and striate
from the gills above the median fixed definite membranous ring, slightly fibrillose
and whitish with a brownish tint below, slightly hollow. Spores elliptical, oblique,
not thick-walled, 9.3 to 10.5 x 5.5 to 7 p. On the ground. South Australia —
luma u Valley. September.

OF SOl'Til U'STKALIA.

IS. Lepicta cristata (A. et S.) Fr. (L., cristatus, crested). — Pileus 1 to ljin.
pi. 2 to 2.8 cm.), convex to deeply eonico-oonvex, then more expanded, finally
sometimes plane or even upturned, sometimes snbnmbonate, white densely clad
with small dark reddisli-brown (near Mars Brown, xv., or Chestnut Brown, xtV.)
tibrillose scales, very dark on the disc, paler at the periphery. Hills jnst free,
rather close, ventricose, creamy white sometimes later with a pale reddish-brown
tinge, stem } to 1 Ain. (l.s to 3.7 cm.), slender, equal, slightly tibrillose, slightly
hollow, whitish above, tinged with reddish-brown below (Light Russet Vinaceous,
xxxtx.). Ring distant, membranous, evanescent, sometimes brownish. Flesh of
stem white becoming reddish-brown when old. Spores obliquely elliptical with
an apieulus. not thick-walled. .1 to 8.5 x 3 to 5 n- On the ground amongst grass
or under trees. South Australia — Adelaide Parklands, Beaumont, Waterfall Gully
(amongst burnt bracken), Kinehina. Back Valley otf Inman \ alley, Kalangadoo
(pileus ochraceous tawny breaking into fine scales, stem up to 2in., 5 cm., high,
coloured like the pileus, paler above). Victoria. Tasmania. May, June.
(Figure ti A.)

A B

[From watercolours by Miss 11. C. Five ash.

Figure 6. — A. lepiota cristata (A. et S.) Fr. (No. 18). Adelaide Park Lands.

B. Lepiotn Kxocarpi Clel. (No. 16). Mount Lofty.

1 p. Lepiota suberistata Clel. (L„ sub. near to; crUtatus. crested — here, near
to the species 1... cristata ). — Pileus 1 to lAin. (2.5 to 3.7 cm.), at lirst oonieo-
convex, then convex to nearly plane, with an obtuse umbo, densely covered with
small brown tibrillose scales, darker and closer at the disc. Gills free, moderately
close, white. Stem to IJin. (4.4 cm.), rather slender, stuffed tending to be hollow,
sluaggv with fibrils up to the veil attachment, smooth above. No definite ring.
Spores elliptical, not thick walled. 5.5 x 3.7 u. South Australia — In Finns radiata
Bon. (7\ in.nonis Douglas) forest, Mount Burr (S.E.). May.

Resembles L. cristata (A. and 8.) Fr.. but differs in the shaggy tibrillose stem
without a definite ring. I.. cristata grew in the same locality.

20. Lepiota discolorata Clel. (L., disced a ratn.s. discoloured, from the change
in colour in drying). — Pileus 1] to 2in. (3 to 5 cm.), nearly plane, a little
upturned, sulnnnbonate, covered with dense very dark reddish-brown scales, fewer
near the periphery, sometimes slightly striate at the periphery. Gills just free,
close, white or cream-coloured. Stem 11 to 24in. (3.1 to 6.2 cm.), slender, hollow,
white above, pale brownish below or pallid with minute brownish flecks. Ring
distant, membranaceous, evanescent. Flesh white stained reddish. Smell strong,
radisln . The whole plant when dry Fuscous to Fuscous Black (XLVi.). Spores
elliptical, oblique, not thick walled. 5 to 6.5 x 3.5 m. sometimes 7.5 to 9 x 4.5 u.
On the ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty; National Park; in Pinus radio t a
Don. (/’. nusifliiKs Douglas) forest. Kalangadoo (S.K.). April to June.

A moderately small species recognised by the dark reddish brown scales in
the pileus and the discolouration of the whole plant on drying.

THE LARGER FUNGI

21. Lcpiota cervicolor Clel. ( L., ocrvus, a deer; color, colour). — Usually
slender. Pilous up to Urn. (4 cm.), usually about 2 cm., becoming plane,
subumboimte, with a fibrillose tomontiun splitting into fibrillose or floccose scales,
near Pawn (XL.) to Vinaceous Fawn, or Mikado Brown (xxix.) in the centre
with Light T’inkish Cinnamon (xxrx.) scales at the periphery; occasional plants
stout with a stout stem, irregularly convex, umbonate, clothed uniformly with a
Vinaceous Pawn fibrillose tomentum. Gills free, creamy white. Stem slightly
striat'e, fibrillose, whitish with a pink caste above the attachment of the flimsy
veil to the middle of the stem, which connects the fibrillose tomentum of the pileus
to similar coloured fibrils on the stem below. Spores elliptical. 6.-4 to 7 x 3.8 y.
In garden. South Australia — Fullarton (Adelaide). May.

22. Lepiota nigro-cinerea Clel. (L., nigcr, black, dark; cinercus, of an ash
colour). — Pileus i in. (1.2 cm.), convex, suhumbonate, dark-grey from floecoso
scales. Gills barely reaching the stem, moderately close, cream-coloured. Stem
sin. (16 mm.), slender, a little fibrillose below, whitish. Bing ? evanescent.
Spores very oblique, sometimes nearly triangular, not thick-walled, 5.5 x 3.5 n.
On the ground. South Australia — •Encounter Bay. May.

23. Lepiota fuUginosa Clel. (L., fwUginosus, sooty). — Pileus up to fin.
(2.2 cm.), slightly convex, then plane or a little upturned, in the centre sooty-
brown from minute fibrous scales, almost villose, the scales scantier and paler
round the periphery leaving a pallid slightly sooty zone Jin, (3 mm.) or more
hi diameter. Gills barely free, narrow, close, creamy white. Stem J to Jin.
(3 to 19 mm.), short, equal, smooth, solid, pallid whitish. Ring distant, as a
narrow membranaceous ring, evanescent. Spores oblique with an apiculus, 5.5 x
3.5 a- On the ground. South Australia — Ban china. June.

24. Lepiota cinnamonea Clel. (L„ cmnamonem, cinnamon-coloured) . — Pileus
4 to lin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.), at first almost campanulato-convex, then expanding to
convex, often more or less broadly umbonate, slightly floccose to flecked with
minute scales. Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xxtx.) to Cinnamon or near Tawnv
(XT.), sometimes when dry near Apricot Buff (XIV.). Gills just free or barely
reaching the stem, rather close to moderately distant, rather narrow, vent.rieose,
cream. Stem lin. (2.5 cm.), rarely IJin. (3.7 cm.), rather slender (5 mm.
thick), slightly attenuated upwards, fibrillose to fibril lose-scaly up to the veil
attachment which is superior, stuffed or slightly hollow, paler than the pileus to
near Tawny, sometimes Cinnamon Rufous (xiv.). No definite ring. Flesh thin,
whitish, in the stem with a cinnamon tint and white in the centre. Spores
elliptical, slightly oblique, not thick-walled, 5.5 to 7.5 x 3.7 to 4 p. South Aus-
tralia — Oil the ground in a. glade in stringy -bark forest, National Park; ill Pinits
radiata Don. (P. Inxigni* Douglas) forest, Mount Burr (S.E.). May.

25. Lepiota haemorrhagica Clel. (L., haemorrhages* , bleeding).- — Pileus £ to
2in. (1.8 to 5 cm.), convex to nearly plane, sometimes irregular, sometimes sub-
umbnnate, covered with reddish brown (crimson-lake) fibrillose settles thicker and
darker at the disc. Gills free, close, creamy -coloured turning reddish like a fresh
blood-stain when bruised. Stem 2in. (5 cm.), relatively rather stout, attenuated
upwards, slightly hollow, clothed with reddish-brown fibrils even above the distant
definite membranous pale to reddish ring. Flesh thin, white, turning a little
reddish especially in the stem. Spores elliptical, slightly oblique, not thick-
walled, microscopically slightly tinted, 5.5 to 7 x 3.5 to 4 ft. On the ground in
Eucalyptus forest. South Australia — Mount Burr (S.E.), National Park. May,
June.

**Pileus not or rarely squamulose, often granular, mealy or pruinose.

( a ) Ring superior, fixed, stbpersistent ; universal veil adnate to the
pi leds. Collar wanting or similar in texture to the flesh of

THE PILEUS.

26. Lepiota naucina Fr. var. leucothites (Vitt.) Fr. (L., umtei, the shell of a
nut; Gr., ImiJvffs, white). — Pileus up to 4in. (10 cm.), globose, then deeply convex,
then expanding, slightly umbonate or occasionally depressed in the centre, smooth,
file cuticle (which peals) tending at times to separate into minute often punctate
fibrillose scales, soft and easily indented, pure white with Disunity or smoky brown
tints (near Huffy Brown, Natal Brown or Wood Brown, XL.) appearing near the
centre. Gills just free, ventrieose, close, up to Jin. (6 to 8 mm.) or more in
depth, slightly attenuated both ways, white or creamy white, in some plants
showing a Seashell Pink (xiv.) tint, becoming discoloured brownish. Stem up to

OP son’ll AUSTRALIA*

•) (

3Jin. (8 cm.), relatively rather slender (up to gin., 9 mm.) and nearly equal
above, occasionally much attenuated downwards, base bulbous ( Jin., 21 nun.,
diameter), somewhat striate, hollow, white becoming slightly dusky brownish
below or throughout. Ring ample, nearly median or moderately superior, fixed or
sometimes slightly movable, white. Flesh of pilous white, thick in the centre,
very attenuated at the periphery. Smell pleasant'. Spores elliptical or nearly
subspherical, oblique, not thick-walled, under the microscope with a brownish
tint, 6.5 to 9.3 x 3.5 to 5 ju, 9 x 7.5 g, 11 x 6.5 fi. Edible. Eaten by slugs.
Amongst grass after rain or on peaty soil. South Australia — Adelaide (on lawn
at the University), Woodville, Beaumont, grassy hills near Adelaide, Buekland
Park, Mount Compass, Encounter Bay, Kadimi. February to July. (Figure 7.)

Our Australian plants agree with the descriptions and figures given of this
species with the exception that, as judged from the illustrations, the stems are
rather more slender. The species is an edible one but so far does not seem to have

| Phn lo. In/ K, ./. Roger*.

Figure 7 . — Lepiota nmucina Fr. var. UucotMten (Vittad.) Fr. (No. 26). Woodville.

been tasted in Australia. This should be done with circumspection in spite of the
identification of our plants as L. naiwina. The species is not uncommon, resembles
in general appearance the common field mushroom but has white or only faintly
pink or brownish gills, and can be readily recognised by its size, nearly pure white
appearance, free gills, definite ring on the stem and the soft smooth often easily
indented pileus.

27. Lepiota erminea Fr. (L., ermineun, white). — Pileus about 2in. (5 cm.),
convex, smooth, white becoming pallid brownish. Gills free, rather narrow, close’
white becoming Light Buff (XV.)- Stem 3in. (7.5 cm.), slender, slightly attenuated
upwards, striate, solid, white becoming pallid with a brownish tinge. Ring
definite, subdistant. Spores oblique, elliptical, 9 to 10 x 5.5 to 6 g. Under trees!
South Australia — Mount Schank (S.E.), May.

There is doubt as to the identification of this species. This white Lepiota
from the South-East has a much more slender stem than L. naucina and is
clearly not this species.

(h) Universal veil sheathing the stem, at first extending continuously

FROM THE STEM TO THE PILEUS, AT LENGTH RUPTURED AND FORMING AN

inferior king. Pileus granular or warted, consisting chiefly of

GLOBOSE CELLS.

No South Australian species yet recorded.

THE LARGER FUNGI

(o) Smaller, slender, Pjleus dry, cuticle entire, not scaly or granular.

28. Lepiota parvannulata (Lasch) Fr. (L., parvus, small; annalatus,
ringed). — Pure white all over or with a pale biscuity tint appearing in the centre
of the pjleus. Pileus J to Jin. (1.2 to 1.8 cm.), convex becoming nearly plane,
sometimes with a smooth umbo, the rest of the pileus slightly striate, with
adpressed silky fibrils at the periphery. Gills just free, close, narrow, edges
denticulate, white to creamy-white. Stem 11 to Ifin. (3.7 to 4.4 cm.), slender,
equal or a little swollen below, slightly fibrillose, hollow, silky white. Ring white,
inferior. Spores oblique, ends rather pointed, one side flattened, 6.8 to 7.5 x 3.5
to 3.7 p. South Australia — Mount Lofty. June.

The species can be recognised by the small size, nearly pure white colour,
slightly fibrillose pileus and distant' white ring. Rea’s description of the species
in Britain gives the pileus as pruinose, then silky and the spores as 4 to 5 x 3 p.

29. Lepiota umbonata Clel. (L., umbonatus, possessing a boss or umbo). —
Pileus Jin. (1.2 cm.) in diameter, slightly convex with a broad obtuse umbo, pallid
whitish with a butty tint. Gills just free, moderately close, pallid flesh-coloured.
Stem Ijin. (3.1 cm.) high, slender, flesh-coloured. Ring distant. Whole plant
when dry brownish. Spores not thick-walled, 5.5 x 3.5 p. South Australia — In
Pirns radiata Don. (P. insignia Douglas) forest, Kalangadoo. May.

A small species with a whitish umbonate pileus and slender moderately long
stem.

30. Lepiota albo-fihrillosa Clel. (L., albus, white; fibrillosus, with fibrils). —
Pure white. Pileus Jin. (3.5 mm.) in diameter, convex, subumbonate, mealy,
dotted with white fibrils continuous with the veil and clothing the stem below
the attachment of the veil, no definite ring. Gills free, many short, edges rather
thick, white. Stem Jin. (10 mm.) high, slender, base a little swollen. Spores
elliptical, 6.2 to 7,5 x 3.75 p. On the ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty,
under a rock. May.

A minute white delicate short-stemmed species with white fibrils on the pileus
and clothing the stem without a well-defined ring.

B. Epidermis viscid.

No South Australian species recorded.

HIATULA Fr.

(L., hio, I gape.)

“Pileus slightly fleshy at the disc-, eampanulate. Stem central. Ring very
fugacious, not manifest in the adult stage. Gills free or ndnate. Spores white,
subglobose, smooth, with a germ-pore. Growing on wood.” — Rea.

Ao South Australian species recorded.

**** Without a ring or a volva.

SCHULZSRIA Bros.

(After Stephan Schulzer.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular; margin at first- incurved. Stem central. Gills free
from the stem. Spores white, oval or clavate, wall continuous. Growing on the
ground. ’ ' — Rea.

No South Australian species recorded.

(b) Pileus confluent and homogeneous with the fleshy stem.

*With a membranaceous ring on the stem.

ARMILL ARIA Fr.

(L., armilla, a ring.)

‘ ‘ Pileus flesh v, regular. Stem central, fleshy. Ring membranaceous or
subarachnoid, adnate, persistent or fugacious. Gills sinuato-adnexed, decurrent
or adnate. Spores white, elliptical or oval or globose, smooth. Growing on the
ground and on wood, sometimes caespitose. “ — Rea.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

5!I

The genus Arinillaria is characterised by having a definite ring on the stem,
white spores and the substance of the stem similar to that of the cap and not
readily separated from it as in Lepiota. The notorious root-parasite, Arinillaria
meUea, is common in Australia, and in some parts, Western Australia for
instance, has been responsible for serious economic loss by killing orange trees,
rose bushes, &c. We have three other species, the large A. colons, i var. aust-mlix,
a small species growing amongst moss, A mu.scUtola. and the beautiful orange-
coloured warty A. asprata on wood.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus relatively smooth.

Gills sinuafo-adnexed.

Large. Pileus brownish. Gills light pinkish
cinnamon becoming spotted. Spores sub-

spherical, 7 to 9 y 31. Arinillaria colossa var.

australis.

Gills adnato-decurrent.

Variable, moderately large. Ochraceous yel-
low, tawny, reddish or yellowish cinnamon,
honey-coloured, &e., with brownish fibrils or

warts. Ring apical, usually marked . . . . 32. A. mellea.
Pileus frosted with granules.

Small. Amongst moss. Pileus yellow ochre to

ochraceous tawny .. ‘ 33. A. musoicola.

Pilens densely covered with conical warts.

Pileus pale yellow covered with orange-coloured

wart's. On dead wood 34. A. asprata.

31. Armillaria colossa Fr. var. australis del. (L., colossus, gigantic: australis,
southern, but here used for australiensis, Australian). — Pileus 3in. (7.5 cm.)
or more, at first irregularly convex, then expanding to irregularly plane or up-
turned, surface fibrillose-matt with some more superficial fibrils, Clay Colour
(xxix.) to Sayal Brown (xxix.) towards the centre, sometimes much darker.
Gills sinuate, nearly free, moderately close, jin. (6 mm.) deep, ventricose, short
ones interposed at the periphery, Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.), when old
spotted with reddish brown. Stem 2in. (5 cm.) high, J in . (1.2 cm.) or more

[From a watercolour by Miss R. C. Fiveash,

Figure 8. — ArmUlaria colossa Fr, var. australis Clel. (No. 31). Mount Lofty. Reduced to §.

THE LARGER, FUNGI

thick, usually attenuated downwards, fibrillose striate, marked with gill lines
above, solid, at first pallid with rusty stains, then tinted with Ochraceous Tawny
(xv.). Ring marked when young, median, pallid then brownish. Flesh white,
a little reddish under the cuticle, when old becoming brownish, especially in the
stem. Flesh of stem continuous with that of the pileus. Spores subspherical,
smooth, 7 to 7.5 p, 9 x 7.5 p. Subeaespitose, sometimes in imperfect rings at
or near the bases of Eucalyptus trunks. South Australia — Mount Lofty, near
Clarendon, Encounter Bay. May, July. (Figure 8.)

This species may be recognised by the large size, stout build, the colour of the
pileus, the sinuate light pinkish cinnamon gills becoming spotted and the evidence
of a ring. The species is often placed under Triehoioma as T. colossa, as the ring
is often absent in the adult, condition. The Australian T. coafctata is probably
the ringless form of the Australian variety of A. colossa.

32. Armillaria mellea (Valil.) Fr. (L., mel, honey). — Fileus 2 to 5in. (5 to
8.7 cm.), irregularly convex, often becoming upturned at the edge, sometimes

Figure 9 . — Armillarki nu-llea (Vahl.) Fr. (No. 32). Waitpinga.
Reduced to

repanil, rim sometimes lacerated, subumbonate to umbonat'e, surface dull usually
beset with scattered minute black papillae or dark librils or punctate with darker
squamules, edge striate when moist, slightly hygroplianous, Buckthorn Brown to
Dresden Brown (xV.), when dry Cinnamon Bull to Clay Colour (xxix.), some-
times lionet’ Colour (xxx.). Gills adnato-deeurrent, sometimes with a slight
sinuation, 3/16 to gin. (4.5 to 10 mm.) deep, moderately close, white or pallid
fleshy to pallid yellowish cinnamon. Stem 24 to Sin. (0 to 20 cm.) high, slender
to st<rat (} to lin., 6 to 25 mm.), equal or attenuated downwards, fibrillose,
usually mealy tibrillose above the ring, Stull ed or with a tendency to be slightly
hollow, pallid, sometimes with a sage-coloured mouldy appearance below. Ring
usually definite, becoming fragmentary, narrow, some distance (about (in.,
1.2 cm.) from the pileus. Flesh whitish, rather thin, attenuated outwards, that
of the fleshy tough stem continuous with the flesh of the pileus. Spores elliptical,
oblique, 8 to 11 x 5.5 to 8 p. Single to densely eaespitose at or near the bases
of trees, shrubs ami stumps to which the fruiting bodies are attached by mycelial

np SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

strands and whose roots are surrounded and strangled by cord-like dark
rhizomorplis. South Australia — At the base of Acacia pycnantha Benth. at
National Park, Mount Lofty, Kuitpo, Willunga Hill, Encounter Bay, at the bases
of swamp plant's at Willow Creek (Waitpinga), Upper Tunkalilla Creek. New
South Wales. Queensland. Victoria. Western Australia. April to June, August.

Specimens vary much in colour and appearance but all have in common the
more or less evident ring, the adnato-deeurrent gills and usually the minute
almost punctate scattered dark fibrils, fibrillose-seales or wart's on the pilous. The
pilous may be almost mustard colour to yellowish olive or brownish olive and
when young may be densely beset with minute furfuraceous scales. The edge
may be slightly rugose. There may be no sinuations of the gills. The superior
ring may stand out as a broad collar. The flesh of the stem is continuous with
that of the pilous, this being one of the features of the genus distinguishing it
from Lcpiota. (Figure 9.)

The species is of considerable economic importance, and losses have occurred
in Western Australia from its attacks oil orange trees and rose bushes. The
fungus gains its nourishment from mycelial strands which extend through the
soil to the roots of the host trees. The roots become surrounded by dark-cord-
like strands of mycelium which are known as rhizomorphs. These interfere with
the passage of sap and so strangle the roots. The strands extend along the
roots and spread to others until finally the general nutrition of the tree or shrub
suffers and death may result. The fungus is not uncommon in Euealypt forests
in tiffs State, New South Wales, and Western Australia, evidently parasitic on
the roots of the forest trees. When such virgin country is cleared as for orchards,
the fungus, which in the Old Country is often known as the Houey Fungus from
its colour, still survives in the soil for considerable periods, especially when many
root's and stumps have been left. This may give it time to attach itself to the
roots of the nursery fruit-trees that are planted with frequently fatal results.

M3. Armillaria muscicola Clel. (L., muscus, moss; coin, to inhabit, dwell in). —
Pilous up to lin. (2.5 cm.), broadly eonieo-convex to convex, umbonate, frosted
with granules of fine warts and slightly rugose, Yellow Ochre to Oehraceous
Tawny (XV.). Gills adnate to adnexed or sinuately adnexed, moderately close,
creamy to pure white. Stem ftp to d Ain. (3.7 cm.), covered with yellowish buff
granules up to a little way below the gills, forming here a more or less definite

[From a wat er colour by Minn J. Buxton ,
Figure 10 . — Armillaria musclrola Clel. (No. 33). Greenhill
Road.

THE LARGER FUNGI

ring, browner than Tawny to Buckthorn Brown (XV.). Spores elliptical, oblique,
not thick-walled, 5.5 to 6.5 x 3.2 to 4 p. Amongst moss on shady banks. South
Australia — Greenhill Road, Mount Lofty, National Bark. .Tune to Aua-ust
(Figure 10.)

An albino plant was found near a normal specimen oil the Greenhill Road in
August, 1922. The pilous was white with a faint tinge only of buff, and the
stem white, smooth and slightly striate above the superior ring, mealy white below.

34. Ar miliaria asprata Berk. (I,., anpratus, rough), — When young a little knob
covered witli orange warts. When expanded pilous lj to 2in. (3.5 to 5 cm.) in
diameter, almost plane, depressed in the centre, margin incurved, pale yellow
covered with orange-red conical warts which are large and close-set in the centre
and diminish in size towards the margin, margin slightly floecose. Gills broadly
adnate with a small decurrent tooth or shortly decurrent, rather distant', broad
(up to (i mm.), white. Stem H to g|in. (3.5 to 5.5 cm.), 4 nun. in diameter,
equal, expanding into the pileus, usually curved at the base, covered with floecose
down up to the apex, stuffed then hollow, orange below becoming pale yellow
above. Veil more or less arachnoid, disappearing. Flesh white, somewhat spongy.
Spores subglobose, white, 7 to 8 x 5 to 6 pt. On dead wood. (Description by
T. Petch of Ceylon specimens.) South Australia — Mount Lofty, June, minute
very immature specimens, only a few nun. in diameter but with the characteristic
orange-yellow warts composed of fasciculated twisted fibrils, giving a hedge-hog
appearance. New' South Wales — -Typical expanded specimens have been found
at Mogul. •in in April and May.

**Gills sinuate.

TRICHOLOMA Fr.

(Gi\, flu' i.r, trickos, a hair; Ionia, a fringe.)

‘‘I’ileus fleshy, regular, margin incurved. Stem central, fleshy. Gills sinuate,
sinuato-adnate or decurrent by a tooth. Spores white, rarely pinkish or yellowish
in the mass; elliptical, oval, pip-shaped, globose, subglobose or oblong; smooth,
punctate, verrucose or eehinulate; continuous. Cystidia present or absent. Grow-
ing on tlie ground, very rarely on wood, sometimes forming large rings.” — Rea.

Tlie species are nearly all terrestrial ‘‘mushrooms,” fleshy, Arm, and some-
times large, characterised by the white spores, the fleshy central stem continuous
with and similar to the substance of the pileus, and the gills not passing straight
to the stem but more or less definitely bayed (sinuate, emarginate) at their
attachment. Pleural up differs in the stem, if present, not being central. In
Clitoeybe the gills pass straight to the stem, and it is often a difficult matter
to determine whether this is tlie case or whether haying is really present but
obscure. An examination of several specimens from a collection may be necessary
before the true attachment of the gills can lie ascertained, as individual plants
may fail to show this clearly. In. some species the pileus is viscid; its colour is
usually not vivid, though some species have lilac or purplish tints. The gills in
some cases become spotted. Home have a pleasant smell and some are edible.

Doubtless a number of species of Tri< holoma occur in this State, but as yet
few have been recognised. In any case the individual members arc few.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I’ileus viscid or subviscid. fibriliose, scaly or pubescent.

Gills changing colour, generally with reddish spots.

I’ileus variegated with tints of viuaeeuus
brown. Gills adtiexed, near avellaneous,
stem stout. Often caespitose, pressed

together and deformed 35. Trictolowl coarctala.

l’ileus not viscid, torn into scales or fibriilose.

Gills not changing colour.

I’ileus 2 to 3in., ochraceous tawny, strigose
with vinaceo-us brown fibrils. Gills warm
bull' to antimony yellow. Stem densely
velvety fibriilose, russet to dark vinaceous
brown. Spores 7 x 5.6 ,« 36. T. rvl Ha n.s.

OP SOI IT H AUSTRALIA.

r,:{

Pilous compact, smooth, moist, not hygrophanous.

(tills discoloured.

Pilous lilac, to pallid. Gills sinuately adnexed,
cinnamon dral) to vinaceous drab. Stem

light cinnamon drab 37. T. rmdum.

Pilous thin, subumbonate, hvgrophanous.

Gills becoming violet', grey, or fuliginous.

Whole plant with lilac tint when moist. Gills

nduate with decurrent tooth 38. T. siibliUieinum.

A. Pileus viscid, fibriilose, scaly, or pubescent.

(a) Gills not changing colour.

No South Australian species recorded.

(6) Gills changing colour, generally with reddish spots.

35. Tricholoma coarctata Cke. et Mass. (L., caarctkitus, pressed together). —
Pileus 2 to 5}in. (5 to 13.7 cm.), very irregular, convex, repand, subflbrillose,
sometimes with adpressed fibrils rimosely cracking into adherent scales, splitting,
somewhat viscid when moist, sometimes becoming shiny, sometimes a little up-
turned at tile edge, edge a little involute when young, a little more vinaceous than
Wood Brown (XL.) and often paler or near Pet-can Brown (xxvn.), becoming
darker near Auburn ( II. ) , or near Mikado Brown to Verona Brown (xxix.), or
sometimes pallid with vinaceous brown tints. Gills adnexed or slightly sinuate,
tending to fall short of the stem, slightly ventricose, | to fin. (6 to 9 mm.)
deep, moderately close, cream-coloured to near Avellaneous (XL.), later spotted
with reddish to vinaceous brown. Stem 1 to Sin. (2.5 to 7.5 cm.), stout (up to
liim, 5.7 cm.), swollen in the middle or nearly equal, conical downwards, with
some tine fibrils, pallid with tints of the pileus. Sometimes with slight evidence
of a ring just below the gills. Flesh to nearly Jin. (1.8 cm.) thick, attenuated
outwards, white. Smell slight. Spores obliquely elliptical to subspherical, 5.(3
to 8 x 3.5 to 5 p, 8.5 x 7.5 /t. More or less caespitose under Euealypts, often
pressed together and deformed and partly buried by soil. South Australia —
Burnside, Greenhill Road, Mount Lofty, near Ashbourne, Mount Compass, Back
Valley off Inman Valley, Second Valley, Kinchina, MacDonnell Bay (S.E.).
New South Wales— Sydney, Newcastle. ' March to July. (Plate III. Central
figure.)

This is probably the ring-less form of ArmiHarm rolossa var. australis. It is
a, common rather large stout species found under Euealypts, the pileus somewhat
variegated with tints of brown, the gills becoming spotted reddish-brown. It is
often partly covered by soil.

B. Pileus never viscid; torn into scales or fibriilose.

(«) Gills not changing colour.

.3(1. Tricholoma rutilans (Schaeff.) Er. (L., rutilans, becoming reddish).—
Pileus 2 to 3in. (5 to 7.5 cm.), convex, subumbonate, densely strigose with the
fibrils twisted into fascicles, Ochraceous Tawny (xv.), the fibriilose scales more
Russet (xv.) to Cinnamon Brown (xv.) and tinted with Vinaceous Brown
( xxxix). Gills just reaching the stem, moderately close, up to 5 mm. deep, veil
tricose, in three tiers, edges rather thick and finely serrate, Warm Buff (xv.) to
Antimony Yellow (xv.). Stem llin. (3.7 cm.), slightly exeentric, moderately
stout (1 to 1.5 cm. thick), densely velvety fibriilose, slightly curved, tough, solid,
Russet to Dark Vinaceous Brown (xxxix.). Flesh yellowish, continuous with
that of the stein, thick over the disc, attenuated outwards. Spores subspherical
to oval, 7 x 5.6 /i, 6.5 p. South Australia — On a bank at the bases of
Lej.'tospermum scoparium Forst. et f. and a sedge. Encounter Bay. May.

(b) Gills kueescent ok becoming cinf.rous, edge often spotted red or black.

No South Australian species recorded.

C. Cuticle of the pileus rigid, punetato-granulate or broken up into glabrous

squamules when dry.

(a) Gills white or pallid, not spotted.

No South Australian species recorded.

THE LARGER FUNGT

(b) Gills becoming reddish ok cinerous or spotted.

No South Australian species recorded.

D. I ’ileus at first slightly silky, soon becoming smooth, very dry.

(a) Gills broad, rather thick, distant.

No South Australian species recorded.

(ft) Gills thin, crowded, narrow. Small, inodorous.

No South Australian species recorded.

E. Pilous fleshy, soft, fragile, spotted or livulose. Vernal.

(a) Gills whitish.

No South Australian species recorded.

(b) Gills discoloured, rufescent or smoky.

No South Australian species recorded.

F. Pileus compact, then spongy, obtuse, even, smooth, moist, not hygrophanous.

(a) Gills not discoloured.

No South Australian species recorded.

(ft) Gills discoloured.

37. Tricholoma nudum (Bull.) Fr. (L., nudus, naked). — Pileus 24in. (5.6 cm.),
convex, slightly umbonate, fibrill ose-tomentose, smoother round the edge, lilac-
tinted to pallid (becoming Drab Gray, xlVi.). Gills sinuately adnexed,
moderately close, rather narrow, Light Cinnamon Drab (xlvi.), Ecru Drab (xlvi.)
to Pale Alliaceous Drab (xlv.). Stem li to 2 Jin. (3.7 to 5.6 cm.), rather slender
to stout to ; in., S to 12 mm., thick), fibrillose, stuffed, near Light Cinnamon
Drab (xlvi.), with whitish mycelium at the base. Flesh of the stem similar to
that of the pileus. Spores obliquely elliptical, 7.5 to 9 x 4 to 5 y. South Aus-
tralia — Under Pin us, on the ground and on dung, Thornton Park Reservoir, near
Adelaide; Enfield. July, August.

G. Pileus thin, subumbonate, hygrophanous.

(a) Gills whitish, unspotted.

No South Australian species recorded.

(b) Gills becoming violet, grey or fuliginous.

38. Tricholoma sublilacinum Clel. (L., subUlaeinus, somewhat lilac-tinted). -
The whole plant when moist with a distinct lilac tint. Pileus up to l(in. (4.3 cm.),
irregularly plane, repand or slightly upturned, subumbonate, edge interned when
young, smooth, hygrophanous, when moist near Benzo Brown (xlvi.), diying
through Light Drab (xlvi.) to drab whitish. Gills adnate, usually a i t li a
decurrent tooth, moderately close, alternate ones reaching about half way with
shorter ones reaching quarter-way interposed, near Pale Brownish Drab (xlv.).
Stem up to ljin. (3.1 cm.), slender, |in. (6 mm.) or less in diameter, often
curved, somewhat striate, tinted with pallid drab. Flesh of stem continuous with
and homogeneous with that of the pileus. Mushroomy smell. Spores obliquely
elliptical, 6 to 7 x 3.5 y. South Australia — Mylor. May.

***Gills decurrent or adnato-decurrent by a tooth.

Hymenium not waxy or pulverulent.

CLITOCYBE Fr.

(Ur., Tclitos, a slope; by be, a head.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular or irregular; margin incurved. Stem centra], externally
fibrous. Gills decurrent, rarely adnate, with an acute edge. Spores white, raiely
yellowish or greenish; elliptical, pip-sliaped, globose, subglobose or oblong;
smooth, punctate, verrucose or eehimiiate; continuous. Growing on the ground,
rarely on wood, solitary or caespitose or forming rings.’’ — Rea.

M *

[By courtesy of Government Printer , jV.-S'.W. 1

PLATE II.

Clitonjbe infundibuliformis (Schaeff.) Fr.? (No. 44B). (Central figure.)
Clitocybe paraditopa Clel. et Cheel. (No. 45). (Right and left figures.)

>>F SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

The species are ciiaructeriscd by the white spores, the central stem whose flesh
is continuous with and similar to that of the pileus, the more or less decurrent
gills not emarginate near their attachment, and the edge of the pileus interned
when young. The species are mostly medium to large in size, fleshy, growing e:;.
the ground or amongst decaying leaves or fallen hark, rarely on wood. The
colour of the pileus is usually whitish, greyish or brownish, rarely brightly
coloured, and in many species the colour changes markedly on drying, i.e., the
pileus is hygrophanous. It may be thin and the centre may become depressed,
nmbilicate or deeply funnel-shaped. The gills are usually white, in some cases
greyish or pallid-brownish, and more or less decurrent, rarely adnate and always
without any haying at their attachment. The stem is sometimes very hollow,
and in some specimens of a collection may not be quite centrally placed though
central in others, and the spores are mostly small.

As yet in this State not many species have been differentiated. Some of those
known are, however, common. Thus usually amongst grass a drab-coloured species
(('. pdraditopa), becoming pallid when dry, may oe readily recognised hv its
strong smell of wattle-blossom. Another thinner drab-coloured species (C. brunneo-
ceracea), also hygrophanous, occurs under pines. A whitish species, drying
rather biscuit-coloured (C. xemiovnd ta) , is often numerous partly hidden (hence
its name) under fallen Eiieiduptus hark. Other species grow under trees or in
groups on grassy hills.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus more or less fleshy, not truly hygrophanous.

Large. Pdeus to 6in., fleshy, drab. Gills mod-
erately decurrent, creamy. Stem stout, long,

pallid, drab. Spores 5.5 to 6.5 x 4.5 p . . . . 39. CHtocybe modly y-

torum.

Densely caespitose. Pileus 1 Ain., smoky yellowish-
brown with fibrils, semitrnnslueent. Gills straw-

coloured 40. C. stmmhiea.

Merinnatic. Pilei drab. Stems flecked with

greyish scales 41. C. peragg repaid.

Pileus up to 4in., pinkish cinnamon to Mikado
brown. Gills pinkish cinnamon. Stem stout.

Spores slightly tinted, 6.5 to 8.5 x 4 to 9 p . . 103. CMopilus subfriimen-

taceun.

Pileus up to 2in., tanny brown, squamose-villous.

Stem Short, brownish. In grass 42. CWocybe flaccid# var.

lobata.

Pileus up to lin., whitish drying biscuit-colour.

Stem often excentric. Attached to fluffy white

mycelium under bark 43. C. semioceulUi.

Pileus up to lin., pallid buff with darker tints of
wood brown as if below the surface. Gills
avellaneous. Stem short. In grassy places .. 44. C. ca-mpestris.

Pileus fleshy membranaceous, truly hygrophanous.

Gills becoming cinereous. Pileus dingy. Stem
often compressed.

Scent of wattle. Pileus pallid stone-grey to
brownish, drying paliid. Gills adnate to

somewhat decurrent 45. C. pamdiiopa.

Without wattle scent. Pileus semitranslueent
buffy brown, drying pallid. Gills moderately

decurrent 45 . C. brunnea-ceraci a.

Gills near pinkish buff.

Spores about 7 x 3.7 p.

Pileus ljiu., Sudan brown to Brussels
brown, drying opaque whitish. Stem

short, similarly coloured 47. C. pascua.

Spores about 5 x 3 p.

Pileus moderately large, up to 4in.,
pinkish buff to vinaceous cinnamon,
drying pallid. Gills adnate to slightly
decurrent. Stem 2 to 3in., stout . . . 48. C. aitulralunia.

THE LARGER FUNGI

A. Pileus fleshy, often pale and silky when dry, not hygrophanous.

39. Clitocybe eucalyptorum Glel. (L., ewealyptonim, of Encalypts). — Pilous
(iin. (If; cm.) or more, irregularly convex with the edge turned, in when young,
then expanding, the centre finally more or less depressed, l'epand, innately fib-
rillose to subtolnent.ose with occasionally small circular patches of thickened
cuticle, the edge slightly suleate, Drab (xr.vi.) when young to browner than
Tawny Olive (xxix.). Gills moderately decurrent, moderately close, up to jjin.

( in mm.) deep, attenuated at the periphery, cream-coloured, assuming a slight
fleshy tint, becoming yellowish round the edge when old. Stem 4 in. (10 cm.),
stout, up to iin, (2.5 cm.) thick, swollen below when young, marked above with
lines of the gills, subfibrillose below, pallid with tints as on the pilous, with
white mycelium mixed with earth at the base. Shed spores subspherienl, pear-
shaped, slightly irregular, hyaline, 5.5 to 6.5 x 4.5 y. On the ground amongst
leaves, etc., under Eucalyptus. South Australia — National Park. July.

40. Clitocybe straminea del. (L., slramineus, straw-colour).- — Pileus l to lAin,
(2.5 to J.7 cm.), irregularly convex, centre usually 'depressed, thin, nearly semi-
translucent, pilose in the centre, fibrillose peripherally, slightly striate, edge
radiately splitting, centre blackish-brown, the remainder smoky yellowish brown,
the smokiness due to fine fibrils. Gills slightly but definitely deeurrent, moderately
close, straw-coloured to pale egg-yellowish. Stem U to 2in. (3.7 to 5 cm.), equal,
slender, somewhat ffexuous, twisted, slightly striate, mealy fibrillose above, less
so below, hollow, the colour of the gills. Spores subspherienl, d- to 5 y. Densely
caespitose at the base of stumps. South Australia — Mount Lofty. New South
Wales. March, April. (Plate IV. Lower central figure.)

The specific name has reference to the straw colour of the gills and stem.

41. Clitocybe peraggregata. del. (L., pemggregatus, very much heaped
together). — Sometimes morismatie, the upper surfaces irregularly infundibuliform
with wavy and irregular edges showing lobes, villous, execntricall.v or almost
laterally attached to a stout common branching stem from which the rather fan-
shaped pilei spread out. Pileus 1 tu -’in. (2.5 To 5 cm.) in diameter, irregularly
convex, often distorted, edge a little turned in, punctate pruinose and breaking
up on the surface into minute, furfuraccous granules or wart-like prominences, the
granules darker coloured, the surface appearing as if partly dusted with soot',
Drab (xt,vi.) or lighter, paler round the periphery. Gills deeurrent to nearly
adnate, moderately close, edges a little thick, sometimes forked, whitish with a
butty tint or livid greyish, Kt«m short', f to lin. (1.9 to 2.5 cm.), moderately
stout, up to lin. (2.5 cm.) (hick at the base, often distorted, whitish flecked
with minute greyish furfuraccous scales. Spores obliquely elliptical, probably
faintly tinted microscopically, 6.5 to 7.8 x 4.8 to 5.5 y. Cystidia not seen. Flesh
slightly greyish, that of the stem confluent and homogenous with that of the
pileus. Smell slightly mealy. Densely caespitose, growing on the clay floor of a
motor shed, probably from rotten wood or buried chips. South Australia—
Fullarton near Adelaide. June, September.

Apparently related to ('. aggregata (Sehaeflf.) Fr„ but differing more parti-
cularly in the pruinose-furfuraceous pileus and the short stem.

42. Clitocybe flaccida (Sow.) Fr. var. lobata (Sow.) Cko. (L., flacci(lus, flabby;
lobatvs, lobed). — Pileus up to 2in. (5 cm.) or more, when young convex and
with the edge turned in, when half grown sometimes convex and broadly umbonate
with a depression in the unibo, finally irregular ami wavy, sometimes irregularly
upturned and with the centre usually a little depressed, when young dark-brown
and villous-matt, later light tan to dark tunny brown, finely squiimulose-villous,
cracking, (tills when very young adnate and slightly decurrent, then definitely
but very moderately decurrent, rather close, then more distant, sometimes forking
and sometimes irregularly connected by veins, pallid with a slight brown tint,
the latter becoming a little more marked. Stem short, up to a little over lin.
(2.5 cm.), stout, slightly streaky, solid, base slightly swollen and with a little
mycelium, pale brownish and somewhat the colour of the pileus. Flesh white,
outer layer of stem pale horn -coloured. No special smell. Spores elongated pear-
shaped, S to 1.0.8 x 4.2 t'o 5 y. Usually caespitose. South Australia — On clay
soil amongst grass in a paddock, Beaumont near Adelaide. April.

43. Clitocybe semiocculta C'lol. (L., semi, half; occult us, hidden). — Pileus } to
lin., sometimes up to 2 .lin. (1.2 to 6.2 cm.), at first slightly convex with in turned
edge, then sometimes expanded and upturned, often depressed over the attach-
ment of the stem, wavy, irregular and more or loss lobed at the margin, when

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

found growing usually whitish to dingy whitish or pale huffy white (Cartridge
Buff, xxx.) or creamy white and opaque, smooth, a little translucent when very
moist, when gathered "becoming Ochraceous Buff (xV.) round the edge and even
browner in the centre, herbarium specimens drying a dingy biscuit colour. Gills
aduate to sometimes slightly decurrent, close, narrow, whitish, then creamy-white.
Stem short, 1 to tin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.), central to excentric or occasionally almost
lateral from the position in which it may have grown, similarly often bent, slender
or rather stout, equal or slightly attenuated downwards, pruinose, tough, hollow
above, the colour of the pilous. Flesh thin, equally attenuated outwards. Spores
nearly subspherical, 3.5 to 4 x 2.5 to 2.8 /i, 4 /i. Sometimes oaespitose. Attached
by Huffy-white mycelium to the undersides of thick sheets of fallen or stripped
bark and fallen wood on the ground beneath Fuealypts, or round the base of
stumps, the pilei often emerging with difficulty or only found after removing
superjacent litter. South Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park, Baker’s Gully
near Clarendon, Encounter Bay. New South Wales. May to August. The
specific name has reference to the frequency with which the pilaus is often more
or less hidden under bark and debris.

44. Clitocybe campestris Gel. (L., mmpextris, of fields). — Pileus up to 1 in.
(2.5 ciu.) in diameter, slightly convex, irregular with a depressed centre, slightly
shiny, the edge turned in when young, pallid stone colour and slightly mottled,
faintly obscured by a minute white pile (near Avellaneous, XL.; Light Buff, xv.).
Gills aduate, close, rather thick, rarely forking or with buttresses, pallid brownish
white (Avellaneous, xl.; near Vinaeaous Buff, XL.). Stem up to Jin. (1.8 cm.)
high, stout, sometimes flattened, slightly fibrous, tough, hollow, mealy, pallid or
the colour of the pileus. Flesh white. Smell strong. Spores 4.5 to 4.8 x 2.2 to
3.2 fj.. In grassy places. South Australia — Beaumont Common, Eagle-on-the-TIill,
Noarlunga Hill. May, June. (Figure 14 B.)

A small species, somewhat resembling small specimens of Hebcloma hie male
Bros., characterised by its pallid buff pileus with darker tints of avellaneous and
wood brown appearing as if under the surface, the avellaneous gills, short; stem
and occurence in grassy places.

[44a. Clitocybe dealbatus (Sow.) Fr. var. minor Cke. (L., tlealbaltis, white-
washed; minor, smaller). — The specimens figured and referred to this species
were found on Milson Island, Hawkesbury River, New South Wales, in November.
They were pure white with occasionally a yellowish tinge, convex, rather irregular,
with the gills moderately distant. In some specimens, the plant appeared as if
truncate above, descending obconically with deeply decurreut gills. Spores 5.5
to (i.fi x 3.4 g. On tin* ground or attached to fern or grass roots. New South
Wales — Milson Island. (Plate 111. Middle right figure.)]

[14b. Clitocybe infundibuliformis (Sehaeff.) Fr.? (L., infundibuliformin, funnel-
shaped). Pileus 1 to 2in. (2.5 to 5 cm.) or more, smooth but finely fibrillose
under a lens, moderately umbilieate, edge incurved, when dry shining and creamy-
white, on moistening reviving and becoming a rich waxy-yellow in pileus aiid
stem. Gills decurreut, close, creamy white. Stem 21iii. (fi.2 cm,), rather
fibrillose, markedly hollow, creamy -white, when moist waxy yellow. Mush roomy
smell. Sometimes subcacspitose, amongst leaves, attached by much white
mycelium. Spores 4.2 x 2.5 g. New South Wales— Lisarow, The Oaks. May,
June. (Plate II. Central figure.)

This New South Wales species resembles closely Cooke’s Illustration of C.
infuMlibvUf<)))iui.s, but differs more particularly in the markedly hollow stem and
the smaller spores.]

B. Pileus fleshy-membranaceous, truly hygrophanous.

45. Clitocybe paraditopa Gel. et Chech— Pileus 11 to 2$in. (3.7 to 6.2 cm.),
slightly convex and irregular, the centre sometimes slightly depressed or almost
infnndibulifonn, sometimes obscurely gibbous, smooth, edge incurved when
young, when moist a shining moist-looking pallid stone-grev to brownish, drying
from the centre which becomes pallid fawn and finally pallid whitish and shining)
sometimes when dry dingy grevish-white. Gills aduate, sometimes somewhat
decurreut, moderately crowded to moderately distant, rather thick, narrow, French
grey, dark grey or violet grey, becoming dark greyish-brown. Stem 1-J to 2iu.
(3.7 to 5 cm.), moderately stout or slender, often compressed and deformed,
slightly fi brouslv streaked. South Australia — Adelaide suburbs, Glen Osmond)
Mount Lofty, Kijichina, Kalangadoo (K.E.), New South Wales. Victoria—
Ararat. May, June. (Plate II. Right and left figures.)

THE LARGER FUNGI

Tlii’ drub colour, greyish gills and especially the strong smell of wattle-blossom
characterise this species.

4(i. Clitocybe brunneo-ceracea Cl el. (L„ bruit newt, brown; eemce-m, waxy). —

I ’ileus i to 2 A in . (1.2 to 6.2 cm.) in diameter, thin, the edge turned in when
young, irregularly convex with an umbilicus, then moderately depressed, some-
times gibbous in the depressed centre, the edge faintly striate, innately silkv-
librillose, when moist near Buffy Brown (XL.) or Drab (xlvi.) and moist looking,
waxy semitrnnslueent, markedly liygrophanous, drying to pallid or dingy whitish
with a bttffy tint, the drying commencing from near the centre, the centre some-
times remaining for a while buffy brown shading to dark brown. Grills adnate
to moderately decurrent, close, narrow, many short, edges rather thick, sometimes
with venose buttresses between the gills, pallid greyish-brown, much paler than
Drub (xlvu.). Stem up to 1 Ain. (.'1.7 cm.) high, usually slender, sometimes
flattened, fibrillose, extensively hollow, coloured like the piletis but paler. Flesh
under the pilous moist-looking brown, in the centre of the pilous white, in the
stem pale brown. Spores narrow, 5.5 to 6 x 2.2 to 2.8 p. Cystidia not seen.
Slight phosphorus like smell. Amongst dead leaves and sticks, sometimes under
Pimm ra&iala or other pines. South Australia — National Park, Beaumont (near
Adelaide), Rowan Forest ( Kalangadoo, S.B.), Mount Gambier, MaeDonnell Bay.
May. July.

Resembles C. paraditnpa Cl el. et Cheel., but lacks the strong wattle scent and
is less robust. The specific name refers to the semitranslucent waxy (or soapy)
appearance of the brownish pilous when moist'. Previous collections from Beau
inont and National Park in South Australia and Ararat in Victoria we have
referred to C. pinophilfl Peck.

17. Clitocybe pascua Clel. (L., pascum, of pasture).- — Pileus 1 to 1-Jin. (2.5 to
3.7 cm.), rarely 2in. (5 cm.) in diameter, irregularly convex, soon becoming
depressed in the centre and sometimes infun dibuli form, edge often irregular and
wavy or slightly lobed, sometimes lacerated, smooth, when moist between Sudan
Broivn and Brussels Brown (ill.) and semitranslucent, when dry opaque whitish
or buffy whitish. Gills slightly dccurrent, rather close, moderately narrow, many
short, greyer than Pinkish Buff (XXIX.). Stem short, 1 to Tin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.)
high, slender, equal or sometimes attenuated downwards, fibrillose, hollow,
brownish when moist, pallid when dry. Flesh watery brownish when moist,
whitish when dry. Smell a little strong. Spores obliquely elliptical, 7 x 3.7 p.
Gregarious on grassy hills. South Australia — Near Noarlunga. June.

Tin' characteristic features are the Sudan brown to Brussels brown pileus
becoming whitish when dry, the gills greyer than pinkish buff, the brownish stem,
the spores 7 x 3.7 p, and the habitat, amongst grass.

is. Clitocybe australiana Clel. (L., Awtralianm, Australian). — Pileus up to
11 to Tin. (3.1 to 10 cm.), irregular, somewhat convex, centre depressed, edge
rather irregular and broken up, dull, smooth, pale biscuit colour (near Pinkish
Buff, xxrx.) or paler than Mikado Brown (xxix.) and near Vinaceous Cinnamon
(xxix.), soapy -looking when moist, near Sayal Brown (xxix.) when dry. Gills
aduato-deenrront to deeurrent, narrow, moderately dose, _ near Pinkish Buff.
Stem up to liin. (3.7 cm.), slender to stout, up to g in. (15 mm.) thick, slightly
attenuated downwards, dull surface, solid or slightly hollow, with fluffy mycelium
at the base, white. Flesh white, thick over the stem, attenuated outwards.
Spores 3-2 to 5.6 x 1.6 to 3.2 p. Single or two tr three together or subcaespitose
in sandy soil under trees. South Australia — Kinehina and Monarto South, Enfield.
New South Wales — Bumberry and Manildra. July to October.

[Tsa. Clitocybe cyathiformis Bull. var. cinerascens Fr. (Gr., cyathos, a cup;
L., forma, shape; L., cimermeens, becoming ash-coloured). — Pileus up to liin.
(3.7 cm.), umbilieate to infundibuliform, very thin, striate, sometimes somewhat
rugose, translucent, pale greyish brown. Gills deeply deeurrent, branching and
anastomosing, moderately crowded, cinereous white. Stem up to 2|in. (6.2 cm.),
tubular, (he hollow centre sometimes apparently communicating with the funnel-
shaped pileus, base slightly bulbous, concolol’ous with the pileus but browner
below. Spores pear-shaped with a large gutta, 7 to 8.5 x T.2 to 5 p, l nder
trees, sometimes on rotten wood. New South Wales — Mosman near Sydney,
Lisarow. March, May, June. (Plate 111. Top right (igure.)

The New South Wales plants referred to the above species also resemble, in
some points C. obbala Fr. They may be distinct from each of these species,
differing for instance in the hollow stem. |

Oantharellus imperatae Clel. et Cheel
(No. 271).

Canthnrellus cibarhis Fr. var. australiensis

Clel. Crimson form (No. 268A).
Uygrophorus niveus (Scop.) Fr.? (No. 51A).

[By courtesy of Government Printer, N.S.W.

PLATE III.

Clitocybe cyathiformis Bull. var. cinerascens

Fr.? (No. 48A).

Clitocybe dealbatus (Sow.) Fr. var. mine,
Cke. (No. 44A).

Canthnrellus cibarhis Fr. var. australiensis

Clel. Usual colour (No. 268A).

Tricholoma coarctata Cke. et Mass. (No. 35).

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Hymenium pulverulent.

LACCARIA B. and Br.

(Lac, a resinous secretion left by the lac insect.)

“ Pileus fleshy, regular or irregular. Stem central, externally fibrous. Gills
adnate with a decurrent tooth, pulverulent. Spores white, globose or elliptical,
echinulate or verrueose. Growing on the ground or on wood.” — Rea.

This genus is included by many in Clitoi’ybe. The gills are decurrent and
acutely adnate and coloured reddish, violet or yellow. The spores are white and
warty; clinging to the surface of the gills they give these a glaucous appearance
with the ground colour showing through. Laccaria lacoata is one of our
commonest fungi.

41). Laccaria laccata (Scop.) B. et Br. (Italian lacca , the reddish resinous
lac exudate). — Pileus usually 4 to lin, (1.2 to 5 cm.), convex or irregularly
convex, sometimes depressed in the centre, edge usually striate when moist,
surface dull, smooth, sometimes slightly mealy, innately fibrillose to subscaly when
dry, Cinnamon Rufous to Hazel (xiv. ) when moist, Light Olivaceous Buff (xv.)
or Light Pinkish Cinnamon to Cinnamon Buff (xxix.) when dry. Gills adnate
with a decurrent tooth, tending to lie distant, with short ones interspersed,
slightly ventricose, rather broad, thickish, a little paler than Vinaceous Russet,
near Buff Pink, or AHnaeeous Pink to Japan Rose (xxvm.), becoming pruinose
with the spores. Stem 1 to 2Jin. (2.5 to 6.2 cm.), slender (Jin., 3 mm. thick),
equal, often rather flexuous, fibrillose, base not white or villous, solid or slightly
hollow, coiicolorous with the pileus. Spores subspherieal, warty, 7 g, 7.5 x 5.5 g,
8.5 x fi n. Single, gregarious or subeaespitose, usually on sandy loam. South
Australia — Mount Lofty Range, National Park, Willunga Hill, Mount Remarkable,
Mount Burr (S.E.). New South Wales. Victoria. May to August. (Plate IV.
Upper right figure.)

Australian plants differ from Rea’s description of British ones in being smaller,
in Hit 1 frequent striatum of the periphery of the pileus and in file absence, in some
specimens at least, of a white villous base to the stem.

This is a very common and rather variable species, relatively small, of a
general rufous-flesh colour when moist, more pallid when dry. The best way to
recognise it in the field is by noting the whitish pruinose appearance of the gills
due to the white warty spores. From the colour of the gills, beginners are apt
to look for the species amongst the genera with coloured spores. The edibility
of the Australian form has not yet been tested.

Hymenium waxy.

HYGROPHOROUS Fr.

(Gr., hygros, moist; phero, 1 bear.;

“Pileus fleshy, regular, viscid or dry. Stem central, fleshy. Gills decurrent
or adnat'o-decurrent. Spores white, very rarely slightly coloured; elliptical,
oval, globose, clavate, pip-shaped or oblong-elliptical; smooth or continuous.
Cystidia present' or absent. Growing on the ground, very rarely on wood.” — Rea.

The genus ITygnpp'howts is characterised by the waxy consistency of the
hymenium which covers the gills, so that when mature this becomes soft and
can easily be rubbed off the trama or main support of the gills. The gills are
also usually distant or subdistant and whilst' the edge is acute they become
thicker towards the attachment so as to be rather triangular in section. The
pileus is often white or brightly coloured red, orange or green. It is often viscid.
The flesh is somewhat waxy or watery. Many species are edible.

Several species are known for Australia. Not uncommon on our foothills is
the white exceedingly glutinous Hygrophorux eandidus. if. conicus, red, orange-
yellow or yellowish-green, turning black in drying, may be found on one of the
lawns in the Botanic Gardens in May and June. II. coccvncm is a beautiful
scarlet species with conico-convex cap.

THE LARGER FUNGI

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus and stem very glutinous.

Pileus pure white with slight brownish tint in
centre. Gills adnate or adnexed. Spores

approaching subspherieal, 4.5 to (i.5 x 3 to 4 y . . 50. Hygropliorow am-

dicfais.

Pileus Arm, opaque.

Pilous finely squamulose, dark sooty brown. Gills
adnate-arcuate to adnexed. Stem white with

greyish tint. Spores 7.5 to 9.5 x 4.5 to 5 y. . . 51. S'. fuKgineo-squamo-

sus.

Pileus thin, watery, fragile.

Pileus eonieo-expanded, variously coloured (red,
orange yellow, yellowish-green), drying black.

Gills just free, rosy-yellowish or yellowish . . . . 52. if. conicus.

Pileus eonicO-eonvex, scarlet. Gills adnate, rosy
with the margins yellowish. Stem scarlet above,
yellowish below, base whitish 53. U., ootccineus.

I. Subgenus Limacium,. (L., Umax, a snail or slug.) “Universal veil viscid,
wi(h occasionally a floceose, partial one which is annular or marginal. Stem
clothed with scales or more frequently rough with dots above. Gills adnato-
docurrenf. ’ ’ — Rea.

50. Hygrophorus candidus Cke. et Mass. (L., candidus, shining white). —
Pileus and stem glutinous, with a glutinous cobweb-like veil when young, fragile.
Pileus up to 2Jin. ((i.2 cm.), conico-convex to convex, then expanding and nearly
plane, umbonate, edge turned in and thin, sometimes striate or with reticulated
ribs, pure white with brownish bisc-uity tints approaching Tawny Olive (xxxix. )
round the centre. Gills adnate or adnexed, close, slightly ventricose, narrow
triangular on section, creamy white, becoming discoloured. Stem up to 2-Jin.
(6.2 cm.), rather flexuous, moderately slender (up to fin., 15 mm. thick above),
attenuated downwards, stuffed or slightly hollow, root conical, white, sometimes
becoming slightly brownish. Spores elliptical to subspherieal, sometimes a little
irregular or slightly warty, 4.5 to 6.5 x 3 to 4 y, 3.7 to 5.5 y. On the ground
often under Eucalypts. South Australia — Beaumont (near Adelaide), Greenhill
Road, Morialta, Mount Lofty, National Park, Kinchina, Encounter Bay, Bang-ham,
Mount Scliank (S.E.). Victoria. April, May, July.

Readily recognised by its pure white appearance with tints of brown on the
cap and the very glutinous pileus and stem.

II. Subgenus Camarophyllus. (Gr., Uamara, a vault; phyllon, a leaf). — “Veil
none. Stem even, smooth or fibrillose, not rough with dots. Pileus firm, opaque,
moist in rainy weather, not viscid. Gills distant, arcuate. ’’ — Rea.

51. Hygrophorus fuligineo-squamosus Clel. (L., fuligineiu s, sooty; squamoms.
scaly). — Pileus 1J to 2 jin. (3.1 to 6.8 cm.), irregularly convex to plane or finally
upturned, finely squamulose or fibrillo-fioceose, dark sooty brown, near Clove
Brown (XL.) or Grab (xr.vi.), the scales darker. Gills adnate-arcuate, adnexed
or usually slightly sinuate, moderately close, alternately short, narrow triangular
in cross section, rather thick, sometimes ventricose, }in. (6 mm.) deep, glaucous
grey (lighter than Mouse Grey, Li.). Stem up to 2in. (5 cm.), equal above but
attenuated at the base into the conical root, fibrillose or fibrillose-squanmlose with
often in addition a few superficial fine dark spiderweb-like fibrils, solid, whitish
with a greyish tint, often speckled sooty-brown from the fibrils. Flesh of the
stem and pilous continuous, white with a slight grey tint. Whole plant rather
moist'- looking. Slight mealy smell. Spores elliptical, oblique, 7.5 to 9 x 4.5 to
5.5 y. On the ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty (in Eucalyptus forest),
Kim-liina, MacGonnell Bay (S.E.). May to July.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

[SlA. Hygrophorus niveus (Scop.) Fr.? (L., niv eus, snow-white). — Whole plant
pure white. Pileus nearly Jin. (1.2 cm.), convex, subgibbous, translucent, and
slightly striate when moist. Gills decurrent, rather distant, edges a little thick.
Stem 14in. (3.7 cm.), slender, slightly hollow, silky. Spores elliptical, white,
i to 8.2 x 5.2 to 6 n. On the ground. New South Wales — In forest, Mount
Wilson. June. (Plate IIP Bottom left figure. The gills are shown as rather
too distant.)

H, niveus grows in heaths and pastures and the plants described above in
forests in the Blue Mountains. There, is considerable doubt as to the identification
and this Australian species may perhaps not be an ITygrophorns but a
Cbitocybe.]

III. Subgenus Hygroctjbe. (Gr., Uygros, moist; bybe, a head). — “Veil none.
Whole fungus thin, watery, succulent, fragile. Pileus viscid when moist, shining
when dry, rarely floccosely squamose. Stem hollow, soft, not punctate. Gills
soft. Most' of the species brightly coloured and shining.” — Rea.

•52. Hygrophorus conicus (Scop.) Fr. (L., coni mis, conical) .—Pileus lin.
(2.5 cm.) or more, conical with an acute umbo, then expanding, fibrillosely
streaked, Brazil Red (i.), often with light orange-yellow at the periphery, some-
times yellowish-green or dark greyish -brown, turning black with black fibrils.
Gills just free or attenuately adnexed, ventricose, rosy -yellowish or yellowish,
becoming grey or dark grey. Stem 2) to 3 Jin. (3.7 to 8.7 cm.), tense, rather
fibril lose and twisted, the fibres later becoming blackish, hollow, of the red colour
of the pilous above and orange-yellow below and often beneath the gills, or
pallid brownish or yellowish-green with scattered black cobweb-like lines. Spores
elliptical, microscopically almost colourless or with a dark wash, 9 to 10.4 x 6 to
7 n. South Australia — Lawn in the Botanic Gardens at Adelaide. New South
Wales. May, June. (Figure 11 A.)

The caps of European specimens are described as “scarlet, yellow, tawny,
sulphur-greenish, livid or fuliginous light yellow, becoming black.”

The species is recognised by its usually being found in grassy places, ics
fragile watery texture, its conical pileus variously and strikingly coloured with
red, orange-yellow and green, the tendency to turn black when old and the
coloured often twisted stem.

53. Hygrophorus coecineus (Bella off.) Fr. (L., coccdneus, scarlet'). — Pileus $ to
H»n. (1.2 to 3.1 era.), fin. (1.8 cm.) high, convex to co nice -con vox, sometimes
umbilicate or irregular or upturned, sometimes slightly rugose, sometimes fib-
rillose striate or subsquamulose, viscid, Scarlet, Scarlet Red or Carmine ( i . ) ,
when young with yellowish or yellowish-green shades, sometimes orangey-crimson,
reddish orange or pinkish scarlet. Gills adnate or with a tendency to deeurrence,
distant, rather narrow, edges thick, rosy with the edges yellowish, sometimes
whitish becoming yellowish. Stem If to Bin. (3.1 to 7.5 cm.), slender, attenuated
upwards or at the base or equal, sometimes dilated upwards, usually twisted,
sometimes with a furrow, often flattened, subfibrillose, usually very hollow but
sometimes solid, reddish or scarlet above passing into yellow below, whitish at
the base. Flesh reddish. Spores obliquely elliptical, 7 to 10.4 x 4.5 to 6.8 (i.
On the ground, sometimes amongst' moss. South Australia — Greenhill Road,
Myponga, Mount Burr Forest (S.E.). May to July, October.

Some of our plants show white at the base of the stem, a feature which does
not occur in European specimens. They are also smaller. The general scarlet
colour, slight viscidity and adnate gills help in recognising the species.

[53a. Hygrophorus miniatus Fr. (L., miniatm, vermilion). — Pileus up to Jin.
(1.2 cm.), convex, not definitely viscid, pinkish scarlet becoming paler. Gills
adnate with a trace of a doeurreut tooth, very distant, waxy yellow. Stem lfin.
(3.1 cm.), solid, coucolorous with the pileus, not yellow below, extreme base
whitish and fluffy. Spores elliptical, granular, S.5 to 40.4 x 6 to 7 n. New
South Wales — Under shrubs, Lisa row. May. (Plate 1A". Top left figure.)

//. mi’uiaLus differs from TT. ooocineus in being smaller and never viscid. The
pileus may be yellow, the gills orange red or the stem orange-red to yellow.
The South Australian plants we refer to H. cocoincus approach the New South
Wales one figured above but differ in being viscid.]

THE LARGER FUNGI

* Gills adnate ot sinuato-adnat'e.
t Margin of pileus at first incurved, or exceeding the gills.

COLLYBIA Fr,

(Gr., Icollybos, a small coin.)

‘‘Pileus fleshy, membranaceous, regular; margin incurved. Stem central
cartilaginous. Gills adnate, adnexed or free. Spores white, rarely yellowish
greenish or brownish-red; elliptical, globose, oblong or pip-shaped; smooth,
verrucose, punctate or echinulate ; continuous. Cystidia present or absent.
Growing on the ground or on wood; solitary or c-aespitose. ” — Eea.

Not many species of Collybia have so far been recognised in South Australia.
They are said mostly to be thin-capped mushrooms growing on decayed wood,
buried sticks, etc., and differing from species of Marasmms in not reviving
after being dried. It would seem as though there were bridging species between
these two genera and particular species have been placed now in the one, now
in the other, according to the opinion of the individual mycologist:. Collybia
differs from My cena in the margin of the pileus when young being incurved
and exceeding the gills and in the pileus expanding, which is uncommon in
MycenM. It may be difficult to place pin nls if specimens in the young stage are
not available. Some species are relatively large and grow on the ground.
Amongst these is Collybia radicata, a European species not uncommon with us,
with dark olive brown cap, contrasting with the white gills, and a long stem with
a very long root.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Gills white or brightly coloured, not cinereous.

Stem stout, sulrate or fibrillosely striate.

Gills broad, subdistant.

With a long tapering root.

Pileus dark-brown, gills white, spores

large 54. Collybia radicata.

Not rooting.

Pileus blackish-brown becoming

lacerated, stem twisted, whitish . . 55. C. tortipes.

Gills narrow, crowded.

Large. Pileus and stem smoky-brown.

Spores 9 x 5.5 y. In grassy places . . 56. C. abutyracea.

Stem thin, velvety, floccose or pruinose.

Gills broad, subdistant.

Tawny to ochraceous. Stem densely vel-
vety, ochraceous to brown. Caespitose,

on wooil 57 . c. velutipes.

Gills very narrow, crowded.

Pileus colour of dead grass to Verona
brown, radiately rugose, thin. Stem
whitish to brownish velutinate, Caes-
pitose with mycelial strands. Spores 8
to 13 x 4 to 5.5 y 58. C. ingrata.

Pileus Rood's brown drying like the gills
and stem light pinkish cinnamon. Stem
villose with pale hairs. Not caespitose,

with mycelial strands amongst pine

needles 59. C. piniaolens.

Pileus brown, resting close to ground.

Stem densely velutinate, near rust-

coloured, root penetrating deeply . . . . 60. C. penetrans.

[By courtesy of Government Printer, N.S.W.

PLATE IV.

Hygrophorus miniatus Fr. (No. 53A). Laccaria laccata (Scop.) B. and Br. (No. 49).

Lactarius serifluus (DC.) Fr. (No. 239). Russula fra gilis Fr. (No. 232A).

Clitocybe straminea Clel. (No. 40).

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Stem thin, glabrous.

Gills broad, rather distant.

Xo South Australian species recorded.

Gills narrow, crowded.

At base of stumps.

Pileus ochraceous buff. Stem reddish-
brown. Spores 5 x 3.5 fi. Caes-
pitose 61. C. eucalyptorum.

On the ground.

Pileus pinkish buff to brownish.

Stem hollow, near Verona brown.

Single 62. C. subdry ophila.

Pileus russet to tawny. Gills sinuato-
adnexed, tinted with pale ochraceous
buff. Stem very hollow, Sayal
brown to russet 63. C. percava.

Pileus rich salmony buff, liygro-
phanous. Stem short, pallid with
slight tints of the pileus . . . . 64. C. alutacea.

Pileus and stem (except apex) cinna-
mon-rufous, pileus about lin. Gills
creamy-white, adnato-adnexed . . . 65. C. elegans.

Gills becoming cinereous.

Pileus fuscous or becoming cinereous.

Gills crowded, rather narrow.

Pileus smoky-brown to scorched-brown,
not viscid. Stem brownish. Spores
sometimes slightly rough, 7.5 to 9 x 5
to 6 y 66. C. deusta.

Pileus fuscous, subviseid. Stem tinted
with fuscous. Spores 7 to 9 x 4 to
5.5 g 67. C. fusea.

Gills broad, rather distant.

Xo South Australian species recorded.

A. Gills white or brightly coloured, not cinereous. Flesh often white.

(a) Stem stout, sulcate or fibrillosely striate.

*Gills broad, subdistant.

54. Collybia radicata (Kelk.) Berk. (L., radicatus, rooted). — Pileus up to 3in.
(7.5 cm.), nearly plane, sometimes depressed in the centre with the edge
upturned, smooth, somewhat viscid when moist, sometimes wrinkled, pale yellowish-
brown to olive-brown. Gills adnate, sometimes with decurrent lines on the stem,
moderately close, alternate ones short, rather thick, white to pale fawn. Stem
up to 8in. (20 cm.) long, slender, slightly attenuated upwards, base thickened,
with a tapering root 2* to 3in. (6.2 to 7.5 cm.) long, hollow, cartilaginous,
creamy white to brownish. Spores oval, 12 to 15.5 x 10.5 to 12 fi. South Aus-
tralia — Botanic Gardens (Adelaide), National Park, Happy Valley, Encounter
Bay, Blanche State Forest (S.E.), Kalangadoo (S.E.). 'New South Wales.
Victoria. April to July. (Figure 11 C.)

This is a not uncommon species, sometimes found growing in unfilled fields
in our suburbs. It is readily recognised by the nearly plane, usually dark
olivaceous, pileus contrasting with the white gills and by the long steni which
passes below into a tail-like fusiform root.

55. Collybia tortipes Clel. (L., tortus, twisted; pes, a foot). — Pileus ^ to 1 Jin.
(1.2 to 3.7 cm.), convex, more or less depressed in the centre, flbrillosely "splitting,

THE LARGER FUNGI

edge slightly interned when young, dark blackish-brown, Bully Brown to Clove
Brown (xl.), sometimes when old dark bronzy brown. Gills sinuate, ventrieose,
a little distant, white, when old with a yellowish-brown tint. Stem 14 to lfin.
(3.1 to 4.4 cm.), rather slender, twisted, not rooting, rather polished to sub-
flbrillose, slightly hollow, cartilaginous, whitish. Spores narrow, approaching
Bolet ns-shape, white, 8 to 11 x 4 to 4.5 n. In sandy soil, sometimes under leaves
or half-buried, sometimes subcaespitose. South Australia — Willunga Hill, near
Summertown. April, May. (Figure 11 B.)

Characterised by the dark blackish-brown pileus becoming lacerated, the white
gills and the whitish twisted non-rooting stem. It resembles illustrations of
C. lacerata (Lasch.) Berk., but does not' grow on stumps, is not caespitose and
has not subglobose spores.

[Drawings bg E.U.C.

Figure 11. — A. Hygrophorus cnnicus (Scop.) Fr. (No. 52). Botanic Gardens, Adelaide.

Enlarged by J.

B. GoUybia tortipes Clel. (No. 55). Willunga Hill.

C. CottyMth VadAcata (Relk.) Berk. (No. 54). Botanic Gardens, Adelaide.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

**■(11118 narrow, crowded.

56. Collybia abutyracea del. (Prom the supposed relationship to C. b-utyracea
Bull.). — Pileus up to 4fi.ii. (11.8 cm.), at first convex with the edge turned in,
then expanding, irregular and repand and more or less subumbonate, at first
slightly velutinnt'e, finally somewhat shining and subfibrillose, when young pallid
or Cream Buff (xxx.) with a smoky-brown tinge, then pallid biscuit-coloured,
sometimes with a smoky or scorched tinge, sometimes with the umbo approaching
Saccardo’s Umber (xxxix.). Gilts slightly sinuate to adnate, close, rather dingy
creamy white, becoming more biscuit-coloured* Stem up to 11 in (3.7 cm.),
rather slender to moderately stout, j} to Ain. (10 to 12.5 mm.) thick, coarsely
fibrillose, equal, not rooting, tough and cartilaginous but with the flesh not very
clearly distinct from that of the pileus, solid, not stuffed, breaking up into tough
fibrils, dark smoky-brown to pallid brownish, base whitish when young. Spores
elliptical, 7.5 to 9 x 5 to 5.5 g. No special smell. Amongst grass. South
Australia — Beaumont Common, Pinnaroo, Belair. June to August.

A large species growing in colonies in grassy places with a subumbonate smoky-
brown cap, rather close creamy-wliite gills, and fairly stout, fibrillose, brownish
stem.

( b ) Stem thin, Velvety, floocose or pr.uinosf..

*Gills broad, subdist'ant.

57. Collybia velutipes (Curt.) Fr. (L., vellus, a fleece; pcs, a foot). — Pileus
J to Jin. (2 to 10 cm.), fleshy, convex, soon becoming plane, often excentric,
irregular and repand, smooth, viscid, oehraeeous buff to oehraeeous orange, some-
times browner. Gills adnexed, rounded behind, subdistant, Oehraeeous Buff (xv.)
becoming Warm Buff (xv.). Stem up to 2-Jin. (6,2 cm.) or more, twisted, tougli,
velutinate, Cinnamon Brown (xv.), Oehraeeous Brown (xv.) above. Spores
narrow, 7.5 to occasionally 9 x 3.5 ft. Caespitose on old wood. South Australia —
Mount Gambier. New South Wales. May.

Readily recognised by the caespitose habit on dead wood, the tawny cap,
•oehraeeous buff gills, and especially by the densely velvety cinnamon brown to
oehraeeous brown stem.

**Gills very narrow, crowded.

58. Collybia ingrata (Schum.) Fr. (Syn. Mams-m.ii/s ingrains). (L., ingrains,
unpleasant). — Pileus f to 2in. (1.8 to 5 cm.), irregularly convex, then plane or
more often with the centre depressed and more or less repand, on the disc often
with a slight umbo dimpled in its centre, radiately rugose-striate, surface dull,
hygrophanous, very thin, near Light. Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.) and paler,
approaching the colour of dead grass, or paler than Wood Brown (xl.) or' near
Verona Brown (xxix.), when dry near Pinkish Buff (xxix.). Gills adnato-
adnexed, tending to be attached to a collar, moderately dose, narrow, edges
slightly serrate, in three tiers, Verona Frown to Yinaeeous Buff (xl.), near
Avellaneous (xl.), or greyer than Pinkish Buff (xxix.), near Sayal Brown
(xxix.) when old. Stem 1) to 2in. (3.1 to 5 cm.), slender (2 mm. diameter),
tough, striate, cartilaginous, flesh differing in texture from that ol ! the pileus,
hollow, velutinate with a pallid brownish to Whitish fur, Snuff Brown (xxix.)
or paler. Spores obliquely flask-shaped, one end more pointed, sometimes curved,
white, 8 to 13 x 4 to 5.5 ft. Approaching Mamsmius in texture. Caespitose with
whitish mycelial threads amongst, fallen leaves and sticks on the ground. South
Australia — Under a peach tree, Beaumont; amongst Spanish reeds (Arunclo),
North Terrace; National Park. February, April, June, August.

Characterised by the rather tough, thin, radiately rugose light pinkish cinna-
mon pileus; the close creamy-white adnato-adnexed gills; the whitish velutinate
slender stem; and the caespitose habit.

59. Collybia pinicolens Clel. (L., pinus, a pine-tree; colens, inhabiting).

Pileus f to liu. (1.8 to 2.5 cm.), plane or slightly convex, umbilicate, edge striate
rugose, very thin, rather tough, hygrophanous, when moist near Rood ’s Brown
(xxvnr.), drying near Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.). Gills adnate, moderately
close, narrow. Light Pinkish Cinnamon when drying. Stem 2 Jin. (6.2 cm.j,
slender, equal, tough, cartilaginous, stuffed, densely villous with pale hairs, Light
Pinkish Cinnamon when dry, with spreading fibrils at the base passing into
mycelial strands amongst pine needles, some of the strands apparently entering

THE LARGER EUNGI

the masses of fallen pollen grains. Single or at least not densely eaespitose.
Spores oblique, one end rather pointed, 8.5 x 4 p. South Australia — In Finns
radiata Don. (P. insignia Dougl.) forest, Mount Burr (8.E.). May.

Characterised by the thin, rather tough, coarsely striate, earthy brown pileus
drying to light pinkish cinnamon, and adnate gills of the same colour as is the
villous tough slender stem.

(id. Colly bia penetrans del. (L., penetrans, penetrating, in reference to the
deeply descending root). — i’ilens 1 to l|in. (2.5 to -1.1 cm.), convex to irregularly
plane or even upturned, sometimes repand, occasionally subumbonate or umbili-
cate, innately flbrillose, sometimes slightly radiately rugose, Russet (xv.) round
the periphery to Mars Brown (xv.) in the centre (the two zones contrasting).
Ochraceous Tawny (xv.), near Sanford’s Brown and Auburn (H.), Mikado Brown
and Orange Cinnamon (XXIX.). Dills slightly sinuately adnexed. moderately
close, Cinnamon Buff (xxix.) becoming Ochraceous Tawny (xv.) or with tints
of Rood’s Brown (xxvili.), with a tendency to a bloom. Stem J to 1 [in. (1.8 to
11.1 cm.) above ground, slender (4 mm. thick), hollow, densely velutinate, near
Argus Brown (ill.) and Sudan Brown (in.), passing into a long root (2 to 3im,
5 to 7.5 cm., long), swollen at the ground level to 7 mm., attenuated downwards,
slightly irregular, whole stem rather tough, fihrillo-cartilaginous differing in tex-
ture from the flesh of the pileus, attached to deeply buried rootlets. Flesh of
pileus and stem near Antimony Yellow (xv.). Spores oblique, narrow pear-
shaped, 7.5 to S x 4 to 4.5 p. ’ South Australia — In saudv loam and in burnt
Eucalyptus eoxmophylUt scrub, Hall’s Creek near Encounter Bay. May.

Characterised by the brown pileus, resting close to the ground, tin 1 ochraceous
fawny gills (at first suggesting n hrown-spored species) and the densely velutinate
almost rusty brown stem, short above ground hut descending deeply to be attached
fo rootlets.

C. Stem thin, glabrous.

*Gills broad, rather distant.

No South Australian species recorded.

“Gills narrow, crowded.

PI. Collybia eucalyptorum del. ( Eucalyptanim , of Eucalypf trees). — Pilous
» to pfiii. ((US to 3.7 cm.), broadly eonico-campanulate to nearly plane, then
slightly" upturned, smooth, with the surface dull from innate fibrils, edge slightly
striate, Pale Pinkish Buff becoming Cinnamon Buff (xxix.), or Ochraceous Buff
(XV.) and darker in the centre, becoming pallid townrds the periphery. Gills
adnexed, close, narrow, with short ones at the periphery, creamy-white or
approaching Warm Buff (xv.). Stem 1 to 2)in. (2.5 to 6.2 cm.) high, relatively
slender ((in., 3,5 nun., or more thick), flexuons, smooth or subfib rill ose, barely
striate, hollow, cartilaginous, differing from the flesh of the pileus, reddish brown
(between Tawny, xv., and Russet, xv. ; Mikado Brown, xxix.). Flesh thin,
slightly brownish. Smell moderately strong. Spores pear-shaped, hyaline, 5 to
5.5 x 3.3 p- Caespitose at the bases of old trunks of Eucalyptus or stumps.
South Australia — Mount Lofty Summit. June.

62. Collybia subdryophila Glel. (SubdryophiJti, here, near to the species C.
tlniupMa Bull.. Fr.). — Pileus up to ljin. (3.1 cm.), slightly convex, sometimes
eventually a little upturned al the edge, irregular, matt, near Pinkish Buff
( XXIX.).* Gills admit e to adnexed (once apparently sinuate), close, narrow,
creamy white. Stem up to Him (3.7 cm.), rather slender, sometimes flattened,
sometimes slightly attenuated upwards, smooth or matt, hollow, flesh confluent
with but heterogeneous from that of the pileus, reddish brown (near Verona
Brown, xxix.). Shed spores with one end more pointed, 4 to 4.2 x 2 p. South
Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park, near Happy Valley, Hope Valley, Mount
Compass, Kinchina. April, May, July, September, October.

63. Collybia percava Cl el. (L., pemwus, very hollow). — Pileus IV to 2iu.
(3.7 to 5 cm.), deeply convex at first, then expanding to convex often with the
centre depressed, finally expanded and rather irregular, sometimes umbonate,
sometimes with edge upturned, when young Mars Brown (xv.) drying at the
apex through Russet (xv.) to darker than Tawny (XV.). Gills sinuato-adnexed,
narrow (up to 5 mm. deep), moderately close, edge lacerated when large, with
a. tint of Pale Ochraceous Butt' (XV.). Stem up to 2in. (5 cm.), swollen below
especially when young, attenuated upwards (up to 1 cm. thick below and 6 mm.
above), 'polished' very hollow near Saynl Brown (xxix.) or base browner than

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

I I

Russet (xv.) puling upwards to become pall id with the same tint. Spore mass
slightly tinted, spores pear-shaped, 5 x 3.7 /x. On the ground. Soutli Australia
National Park. May.

(it. Collybia alutacea Clel. (I.., alula, tanned leather).- -Pilous f to 1 Jin.
(1.8 to 3.7 cm.), more or less plane becoming upturned repand, sometimes sub-
umbonato, smooth, rich salmony-buff and moist looking, sometimes reddish-brown
at the periphery, drying opaque matt and a paler pinkish-bull. Gills adnexed,
narrow, close, creamy white. Stem 1 to Tin. (l.S to 2.5 cm.), rather short, some-
what slender, sometimes flattened, equal, smooth, slightly hollow, pallid with a
slight or definite tint of the pileus. Flesh of the stem cartilaginous, differing
from the fain white flesh of the pileus, which is attenuated outwards. Spores (?)
.1 x 2.5 ix. On the ground. South Australia — Back Valiev off Inman Valley.
May, 11)29.

Characterised by the rich sa Imony-buff pileus becoming pinkish-buff, con-
trasting with the close white gills and short pallid stem slightly tinted like the
pileus.

65. Collybia elegans del. (I.., eleffane, elegant). — Pileus f to over lin. (l.S to
3 cm.), at first campanulato-convex with edge interned, then deeply convex and
obtusely umbonate, finally nearly plane with obtuse umbo and edge occasionally
upturned, slightly rivulose, surface moist-looking matt, Cinnamon Rufous (xtv.),
Tawny (xv.), or near Orange Buff (III.) when fresh and yellower than Burnt:
Sienna (it.) when drying, (tills adnato-adnexed to adnate, close, narrow, crcam-
eoloured. Stem.lt to 2tin. (3.7 to (1.5 cm.), very slender (2 to 5 nun.), equal,
polished, cartilaginous, tough, solid, sometimes slightly swollen at the base, tinted
like the pileus or Pale Orange Yellow (m.) or Russet (XV.) below, then Tawny
(xv.), pallid to whitish above. Smell strong. Spores narrow, one end pointed,
9 to 11 x 4.5 to 5.5 ix. On the ground with much pallid mycelium in mould or
covering fallen leaves or invading rotten wood. Smith Australia — National Park,
Mount Lofty. May to July.

The cinnamon-rufous pileus and stem, the latter pallid below the cap and slender,
with creamy white adnato-adnexed or adnate gills and general elegant appearance
characterise the species, which approaches Mwanmius in texture.

B. Gills becoming cinereous.

•Gills crowded, rather narrow.

(id. Collybia deusta del. (L., demlux, burnt up, scorched). — Pileus 2 to Sin.
(5 to 7.5 cm.), irregularly plane to slightly depressed with a trace of umbonatiou,
edge somewhat undulutory, surface matt to subtomentose, smoky brownish to
scorched brown, (rills adnato-adnexed with occasionally a deeurrent tooth, close,
narrow (jin., 6.5 mm. deep), pallid dingy greyish to pallid dingy buff. Stem
11 to 2in. (3.7 to 5 cm.), rather slender ( j to Hin., 6 to 9 mm., thick), tibrillose,
tough, solid, base slightly swollen into a knob ending abruptly, dark smoky brown.
Flesh of stem cartilaginous, differing in texture from the flesh of the pileus, which
is white and thin. Spores elliptical, 8.5 x 5.2 /x. No obvious smell. South Aus-
tralia — In sand under Melaleuca lialmal iimnun F.v.M., Inman River, Victor
Harbour. May.

Kinchina specimens (May to August), which seem to be this species, though
differing in minor details and showing, sometimes at least, slightly rough spores,
are here described in case further investigation shows them to be specifically dis-
tinct. Pileus 3in. (7.5 cm.) in diameter, at first deeply convex with an aeut'c
umbo, then convex and subumbonnte, finally nearly plane or a little depressed,
smooth, shining, edge inturned when young, between Snuff Brown (xxtx.) and
Buff Brown (XL.). Gills adnate to sinuato-aduate, close, narrow, to Jin. (6 mm.)
deep, pallid with a greyish-brown tint. Stem 14 to 24in. (3.7 to 6.2 cm.), slender,
(ibrouslv striate, externally libro-eartilaginous, internally staffed, flesh hetero-
geneous from that of the pileus, brownish like the pileus but paler, pallid above.
Spores elliptical, sometimes slightly warty, 7.5 to 9 x 5 to 6.5 ix. Other South
Australian localities — Enfield, Blackwood, Belair, Baker's Gully near Clarendon,
south of Noarlunga, Encounter Bay. May to August.

67. Collybia fusca Ulel. (L., fuscus, dusky). — Pileus 11 to 3}in. (3.1 to 9.3
cm.), convex, slightly umbonate, edge inturned, surface dull, apparently slightly
viscid when moist, lighter than Fuscous to Fuscous or Fuscous Black (xi.vi.).
Gills slightly to deeply sinuate, or sometimes adnate, up to 1 cm. deep, moderately

THE LARGER FUNGI

close, considerably paler than Light Drab (xlvi.). Stem 1] to 3}in. (3.1 to 9.3
cm.), 5 to 8 mm. thick, mealy above, slightly fibrillose below, equal, stuffed,
cartilaginous, pallid tinted with drab or fuscous becoming darker below. Mealy
smell. Spores oval, slightly irregular, 7 to 9 x 4 to 5.5 y. In grassy land or
under trees. South Australia — Eagle-on-the-Hill, National Park. June.

The species resembles superficially Colhjbia radicata but has a shorter stem,
which is not rooting, moderately close, drab-tinted gills and much smaller spores.
Its characteristics are the dark fuscous cap which is slightly viscid, the close
gills becoming greyish and the fuscous tinted stem.

■**Gills rather distant, broad.

None of our species seem referable to this section.

ttMargin of pilous straight, at first adpressed to the stem.

MYCENA Fr.

(Gr., myites, a fungus.)

‘ ' Pileus fiesli v or submembranaceous, regular ; margin straight, never incurved.
Stem central, cartilaginous. Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate with a decurrent
tooth. Spores white; elliptical, oval, globose or oblong elliptical; smooth, punctate
or verrucose; continuous. Oystidia present, very rarely absent. Growing on the
ground or on wood ; solitary or eaespitose. ’ ' — Boa.

The species of Mycena are characterised by the white spores, the thin pileus
whose margin is not incurved, the stem differing in texture from the flesh of
the pileus and the gills adnate or sinuato-adnate with a decurrent tooth but not
truly decurrent. The plants are relatively small, in some cases minute, the thin
pileus usually broadly conical, cuuipnmilnte or deeply convex and not tending to
expand, though the edge may become upturned when old. Often there is a more
or less prominent umbo or boss. The colour is usually clear, is frequently brown
or white, sometimes bright red or yellowish. The pileus may be ribbed or striate
and in some species viscid or glutinous, a condition which may affect the stem
also. The gills in some eases show a decurrent tooth on the stem; they may be
white, or have a cinereous tint, or become spotted, or the edge may be red and
sometimes serrate. The stem may arise from a little bulb at its insertion and,
especially in eaespitose species, may have abundant strigose hairs at its base.
It may exude a coloured juice when cut. The species grow on dead leaves, dead
wood, or on the ground, niul may be single or densely eaespitose.

Members of the genus are quite common in South Australia, Several brown
species occur on stumps and between the interstices of the rough bark of some of
our Eucalypts as dense eaespitose masses with conico-campanulate caps and often
long clustered stems much covered with hairs at their bases. A delicate whitish
species may be found after heavy rains growing on the trunks of the elms on
North Terrace. Other species occur on the ground, usually single and amongst
grass or fallen leaves and sometimes growing from the latter. Thus Mycena
sanguinolcnta, fleshy-brownish, rather bell-shaped, with a dark red edge to the
gills and exuding a prune-coloured juice when the stem is injured, is often found
in little groups amongst grass, as at National Park.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Stem juiceless, not viscid, not filiform or fragile and
without a disc at the base. Densely eaespitose,
growing on or near wood.

Pileus brown without a lilac or vinaceous tint.

Gills white becoming greyish or flesh-tinted,
adnate, sometimes with a decurrent tooth.

Pileus rarely up to lin., dark smoky
brown. Stem whitish, brownish below.

Spores 9 to 13 x 5.5 y 68. Mycena subgalericu-

lata.

Gills white, adnate.

Pileus Jin., buffy brown to clove brown.

Stem whitish above, buifv brown below.

Spores 8.5 to 11 x 6. to 7.5 y 69. M. mistraliana.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Gills grey, adnate with a decurrent tooth

1 ’ileus \ to lin., very dark. Stem dark

above, pale below. Spores 9 x 5.5 g . . 70. M. sulmigra.

Gills grey, not decurrent.

Pileus lin., dark brown. Stem pallid
above and dark below. Spores 9 x 5.5 g . 71. M. eucalyptont-m*
Gills becoming pale vinaceous buff, adnate.

Pileus to nearly 2in., avellaneous, dark in
centre. Stem Verona brown below.

Spores 8 to 8.5 x 5.5 g 72. M. Cunningbamiann,

Gills white or greyish, becoming spotted
brown, adnexed.

Pileus to ljin., buffy brown to mummy
brown. Stem becoming dark-brown, base

strigose. Spores 7.5 to 9 x 5.5 g . . . 73. 17. viaruhita.
Pileus with lilac or vinaceous tints.

Whole plant vinaceous. Gills adnate or slightly
sinuate with a decurrent tooth. Stems villose
below 74 .17. vinacea.

Stem fragile, not filiform, not viscid and without a
coloured juice. Pileus hvgrophanous. Mostly solitary

and terrestrial.

Pileus conieo-campanulate, umbonate, hygrophanous,

drab to fuscous. Gills adnate, greyish white . 75. .17. fusoa.

Pileus convex, umbonate, dark brown. Gills
adnate, pure white. Stem 24in., brown. Sub-

caespitose amongst fallen leaves 76. If. puUala.-

Stem exuding a coloured juice when broken.

Pileus pale brown to reddish-brown. Gills with
dark-red serrate edges. Stem 3in., pale to

reddish-brown, juice dark reddish 77. M. sanguinolenta.

Stem juiceless, viscid.

Stem yellow. Pileus viscid, sulphine yellow to dark

olive buff 78. M. epiptcrygia.

Stem and whole plant deep red 79. M. austro-cmenta.

Stem brown below, pallid above. Pileus fuscous . 80. M. subvulgaris.

Stem filiform, with a disc, attached to trunks, etc.

Small.

Pileus jin., mealy, whitish. Gills 12 to 14, adnate
to a collar. Stem fin. Spores 9 to 11 g. On

living trunks 81. M. subalbida.

Pileus -jin. or more, broadly campanulate, apex
flattened, frosted with granules, white or whitish.

Gills adnexed, no collar. Stem jin., with minute

hairg 82. M. tenerritwa.

Stem filiform, without a disc, inserted on fallen twigs, etc.

Pileus to -Jin., white to pallid brownish, atpex
dimpled, striate. Gills adnate, rather few and

distant. Stem lin., white with a few hairs . . 83. 47. subcapillaris.
Pileus Jin., convex-hemispherical, fuscous brown,
apex whitish. Gills adnate with a decurrent
tooth, slightly greyish. Stem 2in., brown. Spores
8 x 5.5 g 84. 17. albidofusca.

I. Stem juiceless, base not dilated into a disc. Edge of gills darker,
denticulate.

No South Australian species recorded.

II. Stem juiceless, base not dilated into a disc. Gills unicolorous, not changing
colour. Pileus pure coloured, bright, not becoming fuscous or cinereous.

No South Australian species recorded.

THE 1. AUGER FUNGI

III. Stum firm, rigid, somewhat tough, juiceless, somewhat strigose and rooted
at the base. Gills changing colour, white, then grey or reddish, commonly at
length connected by veins. Pilous not liygrophanous. Generally lignicolous and
caespitose.

In the Mount Lofty Ranges, dense chimps of species of Myeena, dark-brown
in colour-, eonioo-e.ampamilate in shape and with strigose hairs at the bases of
the steins, may frequently be found on the trunks of stringy-bark Eucalypts, on
stumps, on fallen logs, and on fence posts, often emerging from fissures in the
wood. Their size doubtless depends to some extent on the weather and food
conditions. These fungi vary a good deal in appearance, and probably several
species are concerned. An attempt lias therefore been made to disentangle these
supposed species, and the main points of difference have been set out in the
Key just given. The first four species, namely M. subgalericulata , M. am-
traMana, ^l . subnigHi, and M. euaalyptorum seem to lie the Australian represen-
tatives of M. galencubita (Scop.) Fr. It is possible that, instead of being true
species, they may merely show the variations that occur in a single unstable
species, and if so the first name should apply to all. In any case, the descriptions
indicate the range and nature of the variations in a closely related group of
fungi. The next two speeies, .1/. irituweo-lufea and M. maeulata, present greater
differences, though the latter may also he a member of the first-mentioned group
showing a phase, the spotting of the gills, not' always present.

6S. Myeena subgalericulata Clel. (L„ xubgalerietdatus, (in this case) close to
the species M. galericvJata ) . — Pileus * to tin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.), f, to Jin. (0.8 to
1.8 cm.) high, eoiiico-canipamilate, somewhat expanding, umbonate, dry, smooth,
subniembruiiaceons, somewhat striate to the umbo, near Olive Brown (XL.),
occasionally paler (Butty Brown, XL.), sometimes Mummy Brown (xv.), during
drying becoming paler from above from Olive Brown to Butty Brown, when young
with a pallid peripheral ring. Gills adnate, sometimes with a slight decurreut
tooth, sometimes connected by veins, whitish, sometimes flesh-tinted or greyish
when old. Stem J to 2in. (1.8 to a cm.), often curved, smooth, polished, somewhat
fragile to rather tough, base somewhat strigose, whitish to pallid, sometimes
brownish, especially below. Shed spores elliptical, oblique, 9 to 13 x 5.5 to
8.:i g. No oystidin seen. Xo smell. Caespitose on trunks. South Australia — -
On trunks of Eucalyptus obliqua L' Merit, Mount Lofty; National Park. April
to August.

This is evidently a variable speeies. It differs from Rea’s description of
Myeena galcneulata (Scop.) Fr. in being of smaller size, with the eap apparently
darker, in the gills sometimes becoming greyish when old and in the stem often
being nearly pure white. The characteristics of the species are the caespitose
habit on trunks or stumps, the dark fuscous brown to pale smoky brown umbonate
pileus, the gills adnate sometimes with a decurrent tooth and whitish becoming
flesh-coloured or greyish and the whitish or pallid stem sometimes brownish
below.

69. Myeena australiana Clel. (L., AiwtraUwyu#, Australian). — Pileus fin.
(1.2 cm.) high, Jin. (1.8 cm.) broad, broadly conieo-canipanulate, slightly striate,
Butty Brown to Clove Brown (XL.) or Wood Brown (XL.), apex darker. Gills
adnate, with no decurrent tooth, moderately close, pure white becoming creamy.
Stem about 3.7 cm., slender, polished, a little mealy at the base but without
strigose. hairs, apex whitish, Huffy Brown towards the base. Spores 8.5 to ill x
6 to 7.5 p. Gregarious or caespitose on fallen logs. South Australia — National
Park, Mount. Lofty. May to July.

70. Myeena subnigra Clel. (L„ mbnigter, blackish). — Pileus up to Jin. (1.8 cm.)

high and broad, eampanulate to eomeo-enmpamdat'e, smooth, faintly striate,
nearly black to Mummy Brown (xv.) at edge. Gills adnate or ainuato-adnate
with a decurreut tooth, moderately close, ventricose, greyish. Stem 2iu. (5 cm.)
or more, slightly attenuated upwards, eoneolorous with the pileus above, pallid
and densely strigose below. Spores 7..> to 1) x 4.5 to 5.5 g. Densely caespitose
on stumps. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Caroline State Forest (R E.) Ma\
June. '

71. Myeena eucalyptorum Clel. (L.. here of Eiuuhiplus trees).— Pileus 1 to
I [in. (2.5 to 3.1 cm.), broadly conical or conico-convex, expanding to convex, with
a prominent obtuse umbo, smooth, periphery substriate, dark brownish grey (near
chocolate colour), edge pallid. Gills sinuately adnexed sometimes to a collar,
moderately close, narrow, greyish. Stem up to 2 Jin. (6.2 cm.), slender, hollow,

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

with a few strigose hairs at the base, pallid above, then pale brownish, dark
brownish-grey near the base. Spores 9.3 x 5.5 p. Densely caespitose on fallen
trunks. South Australia — Second Valley Forest Reserve, Mount Lofty, National
Park, Baker’s Gully near Clarendon. May, June, August.

This caespitose species growing on fallen trunks, etc., is characterised by the
very dark brownish-grey cap with an umbo, sinuate grey gills attached to a
collar and without a decurrent tooth, and a stem pallid above and dark below.

72. Mycena Cunninghamiana Clel. (After Dr. G. H. Cunningham, the New
Zealand mycologist). — Pileus up to l|in. (4.3 cm.), convex, subumbonate, some-
times with a slight depression round the umbo, irregularly rugose, a little yellower
than Avellaneous (xl.) becoming browner towards the summit and very dark at
the apex. Gills adnate, fairly close, rather narrow, becoming pale Vinaceous
Buff (xl,.). Stem Jin. (-7,5 cm.), smooth above, base densely strigose, hollow,
near Verona Brown (xxix. ) gft the base, paler above. Spores 8 to 8.5 x 5.5 p
Densely caespitose on stumps South Australia — Mount Lofty. July. (Figure 12.)

[ From watercolour by Miss A. Rennie.

Figure 12 . — Mycena Cunningh a miwna Clel. (No. 72). National Park.

73. Mycena maculata del (L., ■manilaius, spotted). — Pileus broadly conical,
up to fin. (1.8 cm.), then expanding and finally nearly plane and up to 1 Ain.
(3.7 tin.), usually broadly subumbonate and sometimes with an irregular hole-likc
depression in the broad umbo, slightly rugose at the periphery, finally striate in
the centre, sometimes slightly zoned and ridged, when young Buffv Brown (xl.)
or Mummy Brown (xv.) to paler than Olive Brown (XL.), or becoming very
dark brown at the umbo (Clove Brown, XL., sometimes Verona Brown, xxix., or
paler than Snuff Brown, xxix.), with the periphery paler, when old near Warm
Sepia (xxix.) with the periphery pallid near Avellaneous (xl.). Gills adnexed
or sinuate-adnexed, ventricose, moderately close, when young nearly pure white
or in some collections very decidedly greyish, when old becoming reddish-brown
and spotted with Chestnut' Brown (xiv.). Stem 2 to 3in. (5 to 7.5 cm.), shining,
smooth, sometimes flattened, with strigose hairs in some collections passing 2in.
up the stem, hollow, at first brown below and pallid above, finally dark brown
(Warm Sepia, xxix.) throughout or Verona- Brown (xxix.) higher up. Shed

THE LARGER FUNGI

spores obliquely elliptical, 7.5 to 9 x 5.5 y. No cystklia seen. Caespitose, with
strigose hairs at the base, at the butts of dead trunks of Eucalypts. South
Australia — Mount Lofty. June. (Figure 13.)

This is one of the larger caespitose brown species of Myeena, characterised by
the white or greyish gills becoming spotted reddish brown (hence the specific
name) .

[Photo, by S . Tee.

Figure 13 . — Myeena rnacutatn Clel. (No. 73).
Tweedvale.

74. Myeena vinacea Clel. (L., vin.ace.uit, here wine-coloured). — Pileus f to 1-Jin.
(1.8 to 3.7 cm.), conico-hemispherieal or broadly conical to convex, then expanded,
sometimes with an acute or obtuse umbo, matt or smooth, slightly shining, striate
at the periphery when moist, edge slightly incurved when young, Pale Vinaceous
Drab to Vinaceous Drab (xlv.), Light Cinnamon Drab (XLV1.), near Sorghum
Brown (xxxix.), or yellower than Vinaceous Brown (XL.), sometimes Fuscous
( xl vi. ) when old, drying to near Pinkish Buff (xxix.), paler than Avellaneous
(XL.) or between Avellaneous and Olive Buff (xl.). Gills adnate or slightly
sinuate with a decurrent' tooth, moderately close, ventricose, many short, edges
tending to be frayed, Pale Vinaceous Drab, Pale Brownish Drab (xlv.), Pale
Greyish Vinaceous, or Vinaceous Fawn to Fawn Colour (xl.). Stem 1 to 2 Jin.
(2.5 to 6.8 cm.), slender to a little stout, equal or slightly attenuated upwards
or downwards, smooth, hollow, base pallid and tending to be villose, Dark
Vinaceous Drab (xlv.) when young, Light Greyish Vinaceous (xxxix.), near
Pale Brownish Drab or Wood Brown (XL,). The pallid brownish flesh of the
cartilaginous stem heterogeneous from the white flesh of the pileus. Spores
obliquely elliptical, 7.5 to 13 x 4 to 8.5 t . Caespitose or subcaespitose on fallen

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

wood on tlio .ground at the base of stumps, or amongst fallen leaves and grass
or pine needles. South Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park, Baker’s Gully
near Clarendon, Kuitpo, Kineliina, Kalangadoo (under Finns'), Caroline State
Forest (near Mount Gambier, under Finns). New South Wales — Cam be warm
Mount. May to August. (Figure 14 A.)

Readily recognised by the lilacy or vinaceous tint of the whole plant and the
onespitose habit.

IV. Stem fragile, dry, juiceless, fibrillose at the base, scarcely rooting but not
dilated or inserted. Pilous hvgrophanous. Hills changing colour, at length
somewhat connected by veins. Usually strong-scented. Solitary and terrestrial,
a few caespitose and lignicoious.

75. Mycena fusca del. (L., fuscus, dusky). — Pileus up to Jin. or Jin. (1.2 to
1.8 cm.) or more, conieo-eampunulate to broadly conical or convex, then convex
oi’ nearly plane with a subacute umbo, striate, periphery Drab (xi.vi.) or near

ABC

[From watercolours by Miss Buxton , Miss Five ash , and M)Xs# 1\ Clarke respectively.

Figure 14. A. Mycena vinucea Clel. (No. 74). Under Pimis, Kuitpo.

B. Clitoeybe campestris Clel. (No. 44). E.agle-on-the-Hill.

C. Mycena sanyuinolenta (A. et S.) Fr. (No. 77). Narrabeen, New South

Wales

Light Cinnamon Drab (xi.vi.) or Wood Brown (XL.) grading into Fuscous ami
Fuscous Black (xlvi.), or Bone Brown (xl.), hvgrophanous, becoming' pallid
brown and striate. Gills adnate with a trace of a decurrent tooth, moderately
close, alternate ones short, greyish-white. Stem ljin. to 2in. (3.7 to 5 cm.),
slender, rather fragile, smooth, twisting on bisecting, hollow, below paler than
Olive Brown (xr„) or Vinaceous Buff (XL.) to Bone Brown (xl.), pallid above,
rather strigose or with a little mycelium at the base. Definite slight, nitrous
smell. Spores 7.5 to 11 x 3.5 to 5 /i. Single, on damp soil or on fallen leaves,
twigs, etc. South Australia — Waterfall Gully, National Park. April, May.

Characterised by the habitat (on the ground), the nitrous smell, the drab-
coloured cap darker (fuscous) in the centre, adnate greyish-white gills and slender
brownish stem.

76. Mycena pullata Berk, et Cke. (L., pullus, dark coloured). — Pileus Jin.
(1.8 cm.), convex, umbonate, edge slightly striate, the umbo a very dark brown,
the rest of the pileus smoky brown. Gills adnate, close, pure white. Stem 21 in.
(6.2 cm.), slender, shining, hollow, dark brown below becoming pallid under the
gills, a few white fibrils at the base. Spores elliptical, 9 to 1 1.2 x 5.5 to 6
Cystidia fusiform, 9(1 x 15 a- Smell slightly nitrous. Subeaespitose amongst
fallen leaves, bark and earth mould. South Australia — Mount Lofty. April.

THE LARGER FUNGI

Our plants resomble closely Cooke's Illustration of M. pullata differing only ill
being pallid below the gills. The brown pilous and stem contrast markedly with
the pure white gills.

V. Stem filiform, scarcely a line thick (and not more), flaccid, somewhat tough,
rooting, dry, juiceless, commonly very long in proportion to the pileus. Gills
paler at the edge and changing colour. Very slender, tense and straight, terrestrial
and amongst moss, inodorous, solitary, l’ileus usually fuscous, becoming some-
what pale, not hygroplianous.

No South Australian species recorded.

VI. Stem and gills exuding a milky, usually coloured juice when broken.
Stem dry, rooting.

77. Mycena sanguinclenta (A. et S.) FT, (L., sun guiwnlen Iran, bloody). —
Pileus up to gin. (1.5 cm.), rarely Jin. (2.1 cm.), broad and -jin. (1,2 cm.) high,
Mibmembranaceous, cunieo-campanulate or rarely conical, sometimes finally
irregularly upturned, sometimes umbonate, striate, the edge very finely toothed,
pale brown to reddish-brown (paler than Snuff Proven, xXTX., near Tiikado Brown,
xxix.), drying paler. Gills adnate, arched, moderately close, sometimes irregular
with connecting veins, whitish with a faint pink tinge or pallid, edges dark-red
or dark-purple and finely toothed, Stem up to 3in. (7.5 cm.), slender, shining,
slightly attenuated upwards, hollow, pale to reddish-brown. A prune-coloured
dark-red watery juice exudes on section of the stem or from the broken gills.
Spores elongated, 7 to 9 or even 12 x 5 to 7 g. Amongst leaves under trees,
grass, etc,, gregarious or even subcaespitose. South Australia — National Park,
Mount Lofty. New South Wales. May, June, July. (Figure 14 C.)

Recognisable readily by the pale-brown or reddish-brown pileus, the dark edges
to the gills and the coloured juice.

VII. Stem juiceless, glutinous or viscid. Gills at length decurrent by a tooth.

78. Mycena epipterygia Scop. (Or., epi, on; pterygion, a little wing). — Pileus
up to jin. (1.2 cm.) broad and high, at first conical, then eonieo-eainpanulate,
subumbonute, rugose, glutinous, near Sulphiiie Yellow (IV.) when young, later
near Dark Olive-Buff (xi„), apex darker than periphery. Gills ascending, adnate,
moderately close, rather ventricose, white. Stem up to Min. (7.5 cm.), slender,
hollow, a little strigose below, Sulphine Yellow. Spores 8 x 4.8 g. No cystidia
seen. Attached to buried sticks, grass, etc. South Australia — Mount Lofty,
Mv lor. June.

Tire glutinous yellow pileus and stem distinguish this Mycena from our other
species.

79. Mycena viscido-cruenta (‘lei. et Oheel (M. m guinea CM. et Oheel, non
Bow.), (L., viscklus, viscid; cruentii «, red like blood). — Pileus gin. (it) nun.),
hemispherical to convex, occasionally dimpled or with a slight obtuse umbo,
faintly striate, viscid when moist, old-blood-red to dull carmine-lake. Gills adnate,
then slightly decurrent, rather thick, moderately close, rose colour or slightly
paler than the pilous, edges very slightly darker and finely denticulate. Stem
lin. (2.5 rni.), glutinous when moist, slender, hollow, usually attached by a small
fluffy base, the colour of the pileus. On bruising the gills or stem, a little dark-
red moisture appears. Spores elongated, one end more pointed, 7 to 8.5 x 2.5
to 3.5 g. Attached to small sticks and leaves in damp shady places. South Aus-
tralia — Waterfall Gully. Mount Lofty, Inman Valley. New South Wales. May,
June.

A very beautiful and elegant species characterised by its blood-red colour and
glutinous pileus and stem.

80. Mycena subvulgaris Old . (Near to the species M. vulgaris ). — Pileus g to
sin. (10 to 21 mm.), convex, umhilicate, striate, margin at first straight, near
Fuscous (XLVL)), young plants between Buffy Brown and Olive Brown (xi„),
Gills adnate to adnato-deeurrent, in four tiers, the second tier reaching nearly
half-way to the stem, the third tier very short, whitish, then with a light greyish
tint. Stem Ij to 2in. (3.7 to a cm.), slender, very glutinous, slightly strigose
at the base, hollow, lower portion paler than the pileus (near Drab, txi,vr.),
whitish above. Flesh of pileus very thin, dark-coloured like the surface, a
triangular cavity below the umbilicus. Gregarious to subcaespitose, amongst
leaves and small sticks on the ground. South Australia — National Park. May.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

This is apparently the Australian representative of Mycena vulgaris (Pers.)
Fr., but tends to lie larger anrl darker in colour, is without' a definite papilla
and the pilous is not definitely viscid. Cooke's Illustrations of British Fungi
(PI. 191) are not very like our plants.

Recognised by the glutinous pallid brownish (drab) stem and the convex
umbilieated brown pileus.

VIII. Stem dry, rootless, the base naked and dilated into a disc or stigose and
swollen into a little bulb. Tender, solitary, becoming flaccid.

.SI. Mycena subalbida del. (L., subalbidus, whitish). — Pileus up to {in.
( (5.2 mm.), usually less, conico-campanulate to convex, sometimes dimpled, some-
times gibbous or umbonate, ribbed, mealy or scurfy to glabrous, white with a
greyish-brown or c-reamy tint. Gills adnate, attached to a collar, ascending,
slightly ventricose, rather narrow, about 12 to 14 in number with shorter ones
interposed, pallid greyish white. Stem 3/16 to Jin. (4.5 to 10 mm.), curved,
very slender, mealy to smooth, white to pallid, sometimes slightly brownish below,
attached by a minute slightly strigose disc. Spores subsplierieal, 9 to 1 1 g, 10 x

5.4 g, 9.5 x 6.5 g; the cells on the edges of the gills bristling with minute pro-
cesses; eystidia, 25 g long, with tapering apices and ventricose bases seen in one
batch of specimens. South Australia — On mossy bark of elms (Ulmus camprslrix
L.), North Terrace, Adelaide; on bark of Schi-ims Mollr L., Fullarton; on trunk.
National Park. June, July. The species seems to be related to M. corlirola
Fr. and M. hitmalis (Osb.) Fr. but differs and belongs to this section (Basipedes)
by having a definite though small disc. (Figure 15 A.)

82. Mycena tenerrima Berk. (L., Itnern m-ii-s, very thin). — At first a minute
knob with frosted granules. Pileus (in. or a little more (3 mm.), broadly
campaxmlat'e or conico-eonvex, the centre slightly flat on top or depressed, striate,
frosted with granules, pure white or with a greyish tinge. Gills adnexed or
just free, no collar, slightly ventricose. Stem {in. (10 mm.), very slender, with
white granules or minute hairs, attached to wood by a minute mealy bulb.
Microscopically the cell-like hyphae of the pileus are covered with granules.
South Australia — On the base of a Eucalyptus trunk, G-reenhill Road. National
Park specimens have very mealy caps, the gills adnate to an indefinite collar
and moderately close, disc mealy; in dense troops on the bark of a fallen tree.
May, June.

IX. Stem very thin, inserted (i.c., growing on other plants without a root or
tubercle or flocci at the base), dry. Gills adnate, uncinate with a small decurrent
tooth. Very tender, becoming flaccid as soon as the sun touches them.

«•'!. Mycena subcapillaris Olel. (Near to the species M. at pit laris), — Pileus
1 to {in. (3 to 5 mm.), 2.5 mm. high, disc dimpled, sulcate. white to pallid
brownish. Gills adnate, rather distant, relatively few (about 14), bristling with
eystidia ( ?), white. Stem 1 to ljin. (2.5 to 3 cm.), very slender, slightly
translucent becoming whitish, with a few si altered hairs often with drops of
water on them on the stem, abruptly entering the matrix. Spores rather narrow,

7.5 x 3.7 g. On twigs, dead fallen fern fronds, etc. South Australia — Mount
Lofty. May.

Characterised by the white or slightly brownish dimpled sulcate pileus, rather
distant and few gills, anrl relatively tall white stem with a few hairs on it.
Differs from M. capillaris (Sehum.) Fr. in being distinctly larger and in the
pileus being often brownish.

84. Mycena albidofusca Olel. (L., tilbidus, whitish: fitscus. dark). — Pileus
Jin. (10 mm.), convex hemispherical, umbonate, slightly striate, umbo whitish,
rest of surface rather fuscous brown. Gills adnate with a decurrent tooth, rather
distant, slightly greyish. Stem 2in. (5 cm.) high, very slender, with a few
fibrils at the base, brown below, pallid above. Spores elliptical, 8 x 5.5 g. On
the ground attached to fallen pine needles (?). South Australia — Mount Lofty.
J une.

Characterised by a whitish disc, brown nearly hemispherical pileus, brown stem
and solitary habit.

THE LARGER FUNGI

**Gills decitwrcnt.

OMPHALIA (Pers.) Fr.

(Gr., omphalos, the navel.)

“Pileus fleshy ur submembranaceous, often umbilieate. Stem central, cartila-
ginous. Gills decurrent. Spores white, rarely yellowish; elliptical, reniform, pip-
shaped, boat-shaped, subglobose or oblong elliptical; smooth, punctate, verrucose,
or echinulate; continuous. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on the ground
or on wood; solitary, caespitose, subeaespitose or fasciculate.” — Rea.

The species are mostly small and often delicate, characterised by the white
spores, the cartilaginous stem differing in texture from the flesh of the pileus and
the decurrent or adnato-decnrrent gills. In ClUocybe, also with decurrent gills,
the fleshy stem is similar in texture to the substance of the pileus, and the plants
are usually large. When the pileus is at first incurved, a relationship to Collybia
is seen, and when its edge is straight with Mycena, but' OmphaUa differs from
both in its decurrent gills.

Our beautiful little orange-coloured OmphaUa chromaeea is common on bare
soil in the Mount Lofty Ranges after rain. Otherwise species are rare with us.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Yellow plants.

Whole plant yellow ochre to deep chrome. Stem up
to Jin. Frequent on bare soil 85.

0 mphatia oh romacea.

Pileus and stem yellow ochre to oehraceous tawny.

Gills white. Stem J to liin. Often amongst

•moss 86. OmphaUa fibula.

Whitish plants.

Pileus and stem pale brownish white. Gills distant,

few, white. In a bog 87. OmphaUa puludicola.

Pure white or with creamy tint. Pileus about jin.

Stem 1 (in. At bases of olives 88. OmphaUa olearis.

Brownish or drab-coloured plants.

Whole plant near pinkish buff. Edges of gills

thick, often forked 272. Cantharellus

brim neus.

85. OmphaUa chromaeea Clel. (Gr., chroma, colour). — Whole plant near Deep
Chrome (ill.) or a little yellower when moist, or Yellow Ochre (xv.), drying to
an opaque pale Orange Yellow (in.) to Light Orange Yellow (in.), the gills
and stem remaining nearer deep chrome. Pileus up to Jin. (1.8 cm.), rarely
reaching lin. (2.5 cm.), convex, then sometimes plane, slightly umbilieate,
irregularly rugose. Gills decurrent, edges rather thick, a few short ones inter-
posed, distant, sometimes forked or anastomosing or with buttressing folds. Stem
up to Jin. (1.8 cm.), slender, equal or slightly attenuated upwards, tough, surface
dull, solid, flesh yellow, spores narrow, pear-shaped, oblique, 6 to 9.5 xf 3 to 5 p.
Cystidia not seen. Gregarious on bare sandy loam or amongst low moss. South
Australia — Adelaide, Mount Lofty, Waterfall Gully, National Park. Kuit-po. New
South Wales. April to September. (Figure 15 B.)

86. Omphalia fibula (Bull.) Fr. (L., fibula , a pin). — Pileus J to nearly Lin.
(6 to 11 mm.), convex with a prominent umbilicus, sometimes when young eonieo-
convex and umbonatc, smooth, slightly striate, between Yellow Ochre and
Oehraceous Tawny (xv.). Gills deeply decurrent, rather thick, rather distant,
rarely forking, whitish. Stem f to ILin. (18 to 37 mm.), slender, pruinose when
young, then smooth, cartilaginous, equal, solid, colour of the pileus. Amongst
moss on shady banks. Spores 4.S to 6.5 x 2 to 2.5 p. South Australia — Near
Coromandel Valley, Mount Lofty. June.

Distinguished by the colour of the pilous approaching yellow ochre, the white
gills, slender appearance and association with moss (with us). Omphalia
chromaeea is more chrome-coloured, the gills are not whitish and it prefers
growing on bare ground.

OP SOUTH .U'STKALIA.

87. Omphalia paludicola Clel. (L., pain, s, a marsh; cola, to inhabit). — Pilous
up t'o fin. (10 mm.), cnmpanulate, then convex, slightly dimpled on top, rugose-
striate, pale brownish white, dingier than Pinkish Bull (xxix.). Gills deeply
decurreut, distant, few with short ones at the periphery, white. Stem Jin.
(19 mm.), slender, colour of the pileus. Spores not seen. Amongst vegetable
fibres in a bog. South Australia — Mount' Lofty. Juno,

88. Omphalia olearis, Clel. (L., olearis, of an olive tree). — Pure white or with
a tinge of cream on the pileus. At first eouico-convex, then convex with some-
times a trace of an umbo, up to 5/16 in. (8 mm.), smooth, edge turned in when
young. Gills moderately deeurrent, close, with short ones interspersed at the
periphery. Stem up to Ifin. (3 cm.), a little wavy, smooth, cartilaginous.
South Australia — In hollows of the wood at the bases of cultivated olive-trees,
Beaumont, near Adelaide. June.

A B C

\ Front wiitr mol on ro bn Miss Finnish.

Figure 15. — A. Mycena subylbirin Clel. (No. 81). National Park.

B. Omphalia ehromaem Clel. (No. 85). Mount Lofty.

C. Canlhni ellus brunneus Clel. (No. 272). Mount Lofty.

( d ) Pileus confluent with the excentkic on lateral stem, dimidiate,

SESSILE OK RESTJPINATE. GlLL EDGE ENTIRE.

PLEUROTUS Fr.

(Gr., pleuron, a side; o«s, an ear.)

“Pileus fleshy or submombranaceous ; excentric, dimidiate or resupinate. Stem
exeentric, lateral or wanting; with or without a ring. Gills sinuate, adnate,
decurrent or radiating from a central point. Spores white, rarely pink, yellowish,
lilac, or dingy; elliptical, globose, subglobose, pip-shaped, oblong elliptical,
cylindrical or reniform; smooth, granular, verrucose or echinulate; continuous.
Cystidia present or absent'. Growing on wood, more rarely on the ground or
on dung.” — Rea.

The species are characterised by the. white spores, rarely slightly coloured, and
a stem which is excentric, lateral or may even be absent and which is fleshy and
continuous with the pileus. The gills vary but are often decurrent; in some of
the very small species they may radiate from a central point. Some of the
species are amongst the largest of our agarics and others arc only a few milli-
metres in diameter. PleuroUis Ucmpas, our largest one, is luminescent and is
quite common at the bases of Euealypts. The colour of the larger species is
usually whitish with tints of brown, sometimes in the case of P. larnpas with
shades of lilac, grey and yellow brown. Many of the smaller species are greyish.
In some, the upper layer of the pileus is subgelatinous. They nearly all grow

THE LARGER FUNGI

on or near wood. Some revive to some extent when moistened, so that some
authors may place a species in the genus Panux and others place it under
Pleurotus. A ring is present in some foreign species and may thus give a.
resemblance to ArmiUarki but the stem is not central. When the stem is only
slightly excentric and the gills decurrent or not sinuate, difficulty will be found
in separation from the genus Glitocybe. Other species may resemble Tricholoma,
but the species in this genus nearly all grow on the ground.

Two large species and several small ones have been recognised as South Aus-
tralian. Quite common is the large and beautiful P. lampas already mentioned.
Another large whitish species, a form of P. nstrcatux , has only been found in
one locality, the Bluff at Encounter Bay, where it grows on the trunks of a
Myoporum exposed to the strong salt-laden sea-breezes. Several minute greyish
species are not' uncommon on bark and fallen twigs. P. hepatot riclnix, a species
that revives in part on moistening and is of a iirmisli texture and hence has been
placed in the genus Panux, is often to be found on fallen bark or on the rough
stems of Eucalypts — it is greyish-brown, may reach 4in. in size, is laterally con-
tracted, lias a hoary pi I BUS and gills which with a hand lens may be seen to be
bristling with cystidia.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Stem excentric. Plants large. Gills decurrent.

Luminescent. Often very large. Pileus variable,
pallid, yellowish-brown to fuscous. At base of

Eucalypts 89. Pleurotus lampas.

Medium large. Pileus yellow-brown to dark -brown.

Stem stout, with gill reticulations above. On

trunks 90. P. osirmius.

Medium size. Pileus and gills cinnamon buff. At

bases of stumps 91. P. mallceanus.

Laterally attached by a stem-like base.

1 lark-brown to blackish, up to .1.7 x 3 cm., pruiuose,
cortex subgelatimms. Gills drying rusty-brown,

bristling with cystidia . . .. 92. P. hepatotriehiis.

Dark-brown, up to 9 x 5 cm., smooth, viscid when
moist, cortex subgelatimms. Gills with cystidia . 93. P. viscid ulus.

Gills radiating from an excentric point. Small.

Pileus pallid grey, tomentose. Gills grey with a
fawny tint. Upper layer of flesh dark,

gelatinous. Spores spherical, 6 to 7 y . . . . 94. P. subapplicatiis.

Pileus dark greyish-black, hoary, clothed with
cells and processes with wart-like projections.

Gills rather close, grey. Flesh dark, sub-

gelatinous. Spores 6 x 3.5 y . . 85. P. cinerascenx.

S9. Pleurotus lampas Berk. (L., lampas, a torch). (Probable synonyms,
P. oandvscens Mull. ; P. phosphor e us Berk.; and doubtful, P. nidiforinis Berk.). —
Large, strongly ‘‘phosphorescent’' (luminescent), usually densely caespitose and
often with several irregular pile!. Up to Tin. (IS cm.) or more' high and broad,
stem more or less excentric, sometimes nearly central (especially when growing
from buried wood), sometimes nearly lateral, pileus very irregular, sometimes
flabclliform especially when young and against a trunk, ' often lobed and even
sublobed ami undulated, convex altogether or in places and depressed in others,
surface matt when young, smooth when old, edge turned in when young, cuticle
peels and tends to split more or less radially, colour mostly Cream (xvj.) but
especially in specimens of firmer texture and ’exposed to light the older portions
or nearly the whole pileus may assume colours, often rich in tint, of brown,
bronzey brown, or purplish black, such as Buckthorn Brown (xv.), Cinnamon
Browm (xv.), Mummy Brown (xv.), Kaiser Brown (xiv.), Light Buff (xv.),
browner than Mars Fellow' (in.), dark chocolate brown, greyer than Parma
Violet, etc. Gills deeply decurrent, when young close and narrow,' later moderately
close and up to 1 cm. deep, attenuated at both ends, deeurrent on the thick stem
where they appear as raised lines which may anastomose or fork, cream-coloured.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

S!)

Stem up to 2 to Sin. (5 to 7.5 cm.), very stout (up to J tin., 3.7 cm., thick) to
moderately slender (2 cm. above, 1 cm. below), smoky punctate or slightly fib-
rillose or with tne cuticle splitting, whitish or with tints of Mars Yellow, Light
Payne's Grey (XLIX.) or brown. Flesh thick, white, tough in the stem; in
shaded places, the pilei may be almost translucent, in exposed situations quite
opaque and tough. Spores elliptical, with a large globule, 7 to !l x .3 to 6 p.
Year the bases of Eue.alypts, living and dead. South Australia— Mount Lofty
Ranges, Mount Barker, Clarendon district, Kuitpo, Encounter Bay. Queensland,
Xew South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia. April to Xovember,
but chiefly in autumn and winter.

This, our common large “phosphorescent” species, is readily recognised by
its large size, crowded lmbit. and situation al the bases of Eucalyptus trunks
and stumps.

90. Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) FT. (L., ostren, an oyst'er). — Pilous up to Alin.
(13.7 cm.), convex round the edge, concave in the centre, surface dull, in places
with some innate fibrils, edge ini timed when young, slightly so when expanded,
Tawny Olive (xxix.), more umber in places, becoming ochraeeous tawny or
darker in the centre (yellowish brown with a bronze tint, dark-browm in the
centre). Gills deeply decurrent, moderately close, very narrow (under [in.,
0 mm.), dingy cream-coloured becoming slightly brownish. Stem excentrie to
nearly lateral, sometimes with several pilei, -tin. (10 cm.), stout (up to If to
Pin ., 3.1 to 3 cm. thick), marked with gill-lines above sometimes ending in brown
thread-like reticulations, attenuated at the base, very tough, pallid becoming
tinted brownish, sometimes with ligulate scales with brownish tips pointing
upwards. Flesh very thick, 1 [in. (3.1 cm.). Spores narrow pear-shaped, 9.5 to
15 x 4.5 to 5.5 p. South Australia — On stem and branches of living Myoporum
insntare R. Br., the Blutf, Encounter Bay. May, August.

These specimens differ from typical P. ostreatus in the longer stem which tends
to become brownish and is sometimes scaly. The species can be readily recognised
by its large size, excentrie stem, the brownish tints on the pileus, the deeply
decurrent gills, and the absence of luminescence.

91. Pleurotus malleeanus CleL (A coined Latinized word referring to the
habitat). — Pilous up to 44in. (11.2 cm.), convex, edge a little turned in, smooth
to very knobby and irregular in places, moist-looking, near Cinnamon Buff
(XXIX.). Gills decurrent, close, fin. (ti mm.) deep, near Pinkish Buff (xxix.).
Stem 1] to 4in. (3.1 to 10 cm.), central, excentrie or lateral, lin. (2.5 cm.)
thick above, equal or markedly attenuated downwards, tough, solid, white, mostly
buried. Flesh very thick or reduced to Jin. (1.2 cm.). Spores elongated, 8 to
10 x 4 p. At the bases of old stumps of mallee (lineal up tun sp.) in sand.
South Australia — Monarto South. May.

92. Pleurotus hepatotrichus (Berk.) Clel. (LcnHnus hepatotrichus Berk.
Probably also Pleurotus ohaetophyllu s Bare.). (Gr., hepar, hr pat os, the liver;
thrix, trirhos , a hair). — Laterally contracted to a floccose stem-like base. Pileus
up to 1 Ain. (3.7 cm.) laterally, 1 J in. (3.1 cm.) long, usually less, convex to plane
or even depressed or fan-shaped, the edge sometimes slightly sinuate, pallid
brownish to dark-brown or blackish, the edge often paler (lighter than Sayal
Brown, xxix.), greyish pruinose from a velvety matt of white hairs, rarely
becoming polished. Gills decurrent to the attachment, close, narrow, cream-
coloured acquiring a rusty or dirty bully tint, erenulate and rusty brown when
dry, bristling with cystidia. Flesh whitish, thin, attenuated outwards, not
gelatinous, but the thick cuticle black and gelatinous-looking. Spores slightly
curved, hyaline, 7.3 to 9 x 3.5 to 4.2 p. Cystidia fusiform, acuminate, sometimes
bent at. an angle near the base, thick walled, slightly yellowish, 57 to 90 x 11 to
15 p. On the underside of fallen Eucalyptus bark or on rough trunks of living
Euealypts. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Xafional Park, Encounter Bay.
May, July.

This is a common species on fallen Eucalyptus bark, etc., and is characterised
hv the hairy brownish pileus and the cream-coloured to dirty buff-tinted gills
bristling with cystidia. as seen with a lens and decurrent to a lateral stem-like
base. The plants are rather tough and consequently may be placed by some in
the genus Lent'mus.

93. Pleurotus viscidulus (Berk, et Br.) Clel. (Paulis visciduhis Berk, et Br.).
(I.., visniiin, mistletoe, bird-lime). — Pileus up to B Ain. (9 cm.) laterally, 2in.
(5 cm.) long, flabelliform, somewhat convex, depressed towards the lateral attach-
ment, shining, smooth, viscid when moist, sometimes finely striate, edge wavy and

THE LARGER FUNGI

incut' or less lobed irregularly and a little i n rolled, dark-brown (Cinnamon Brown,
XV., Warm Sepia, XXIX.), becoming pallid. Gills decurrent on to the lateral
almost obsolete stem, narrow, many short ones interposed, sometimes anastomosing
on the stem, cream-coloured to pallid brownish. Stem lateral, short and stont,
nii to lin. x lin. (2,.i x 2.5 cm.), or slender, pallid to dark-brown, flesh with a
thick glutinous outer layer succeeded by a narrow pallid layer, then by a thicker
pale waxy layer. Spores elliptical, oblique, slightly curved, white, S to 10 x 4
to 6.5 ,it. Cystidia varying in shape, ventricose or more or less club-shaped with
rough apices and constricted bases, thick walled, 54 to 112 x 9.3 to 18 g. Some-
times caespitose and imbricate. On the ground at the bases of or under trees
or stumps. South Australia — On the ground beneath Eucalyptus and Finns
attached apparently to superficial roots, Botanic. Gardens, Adelaide; at the base
of Eucalyptus rostral, a Sold., Burnside; National Park; Mount Lofty; Mylor;
Encounter Bay. May, June, August. ( Figure 16.)

[From watercolour by Miss Fiveosh.

Figure 16. — Pleniotv.s vmidulus (Berk, et Br.) del. (No. 93). Mount Lofty.

Reduced by

The species is characterised by the smooth, viscid dark-brown flabelliform
pileus laterally contracted to a short stem, the decurrent gills, the habitat and
miseroscopically the cystidia.

94. Pleurotus subapplicatus (Tel. (,S ubappHmtus, near to the species P.
applieatus Batsc-h,, Berk.). — Pileus i to jin. (3.5 to 16 mm.), convex, becoming
depressed towards the attachment, at first inverted saucer-shaped, finally rather
fan-shaped, a little repaint, sometimes almost lobed, tomentose, strigose near the
attachment when large, pallid grey or greyish-brown. Gills moderately close,
radiating from a lateral to excentric point of attachment, many short ones, grey
with a fawny tint. No definite stem. Flexible, the flesh of the pileus with an
upper dark gelatinous layer. Shed spores spherical, 5 to 7, 5.5 x 3.5 g. South
Australia — On an upright piece of rotting wood in a glass-house, Blackwood; on
dead part of pepper-tree (ScMnm Moils IT.), Fullartoif (Adelaide ) ; Mount Lofty.
April to July.

A small grey gregarious species growing oil wood, saucer-shaped to fail-shaped,
the grey gills radiating from the point of attachment.

Pleurotus subapplicatus Clel. Laschiu form. — Pilous din. (6 mm.) laterally,
convex, smooth to somewhat rugulose, subgelatinous, upper surface nearly black
(the colour of burnt wood). Gills radiating from a nearly lateral point, many
short, moderately close, dark grey, the gills replaced in most of the plants by
several distant thick-edged plates, from which cross branches pass from one to
another with anastomoses so that irregular pores result. Flesh subgelatinous.
Spores sake rical, 6 g. South Australia — On fallen trunk, National Park) August.

op SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

95. Pleurotus cinerascens del. (L., cinerascens, becoming asli-coloured or grey).
— Laterally attached at the apex. Pilous up to Tin. (1.2 cm.), convex to copulate,
dark greyish-black, hoary round the edge, -whitish and densely hoary when young.
Gills radiating from an excentrie point, moderately close and numerous, many
short ones at the periphery, sometimes showing slight venose buttresses, grey.
Flesh dark coloured, subgelatinous. Spores 6 x 3.5 y; pilous clothed with cells
and processes covered with lateral wart-like projections. South Australia —
National Park, August, 1927, on trunk of living Eucalyptus viminalis Lab.

A species evidently closely related to P. applicatiis and P. subapplicatus, but
characterised more particularly by the cells on the pileus, a feature not
apparently recorded in P. appUcatus, from which it also differs in the gills being
moderately close and grey and in the slightly smaller spores. The shape of the
spores also separates it from P. subapplicatus.

B. SPORES PINK OR SALMON-COLOURED. RHODOSPORAE.

(a) Pileus distinct and easily separable from the flesiiy stem.

*With a volva at the base of the stem.

VOLVARIA Fr.

(L., volvarius, having a volva or sheath.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central. Volva membranaceous, free, sheathing.
Gills free. Spores pink, elliptical or subglobose, smooth, continuous. Growing-
on the ground or on wood. ’ ' — Rea.

Voivaria corresponds with Amanita psix in the white-spored group. Three
species at least are quite large, the caps being 2 to Tin. across, but others seem
to be small and rare. The volva at the base of the stem is definite, there is no
ring and the stem is readily separable from the cap. The only member of the
genus we possess, P. gloiocephala, is not uncommon on waste land. It is said

1)2

THE LARGER FCNGI

to be very poisonous. In New South Wales another species, s peciosa, also

poisonous, is occasionally found and may occur in this State; it has a large
whitish or grey-tinted cap, flesh-coloured or rosy gills, a large volva (cup) at
the base of the stem and no ring. It is possible for both these species to be
mistaken for field mushrooms, and their poisonous nature is to be noted.

96. Volvaria gloiocephala (DC.) Fr. (Gr., glows, sticky; Tiipliale, a head). —
pileus at first rather globose, then conico-convex and umbonate, finally nearly
plane with a broad obtuse umbo, up to 3]in. (8 cm.), viscid, when dry shining
and finely matt at the apex, becoming finely fibrillose outwards, occasionally
with white patches of the volva remaining, Light Greyish Olive (xlvi.) to Greyish
Olive to Pale Smoky Grey, sometimes Clove Brown (xl.). Gills close, just
i-eaching the stem, more than jin. (7 mm.) deep, whitish, then light brownish
vinaceons. Stem up to 6in. (15 cm.), very slightly tibrously striate, nearly Ain.
(1 cm.) in diameter in the middle, rather expanded above, base bulbous, solid,
whitish becoming faintly tinged greyish or brownish, flesh of the pilous watery
whitish-grey, of°the stem white with whitish-grey at the periphery. Volva ample,
free, white. Spores elliptical, 13 to 18 x 8 to 10.5 g. Amongst dead herbage
(thistles, “Salvation Jane”), etc. Reported as very poisonous. South Austra-
lia— Suburbs of Adelaide, Waterfall Gully, Happy Valley, Encounter Bay. May
to July. (Figure 17.)

This species is readily recognised by its large umbonate, viscid greyish olive to
[•love brown cap, the gills becoming light brownish vinaceons, the long stem, the
presence of a volva and the absence of a ring.

“With a ring on the stem.

ANNULARIA Schulz.

(L., annularius , pertaining to a signet ring.)

“I’ileus fleshy, regular. Stem central. Ring large, free or adnate. Gills free.
Spores pink, globose or oval, smooth, continuous. Cystidia ventricose. Growing
on the ground or on wood." — Rea.

No South Australian species recorded.

*** Without a ring or volva.

PLUTEUS Fr.

(L., pinions, a movable pent-house.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central. Gills free from the stem, rounded
behind. Spores pink, rarely pale yellowish; globose, subglobose or elliptical;
wall continuous. Cystidia on edge of gills pear-slmped or inflated clavate; on
the sides of the gills fusiform or bottle-shaped and hooked at the apex. Growing
on wood, more rarely on the ground." — Rea.

The species are characterised by the stem being readily separable from the
pileus and by the absence of both a volva and a ring. They are soft in texture,
mostly small and grow usually on wood. We have two species, one of which,
P. ccl'vinus, is rather large for the genus.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Growing on wood.

Pileus u]) to B Ain., verona brown t'o warm sepia,
with minute wart-like elevations. Stem usually

curved, whitish. Spores quadrangular, 6.5 to
8 s 5 [i 97. Phil fiis crrimus.

Pileus up to 1:| in., brown. Stem yellow. Spores

5 to 6.5 g 98. P. nanus var. lutesccws.

97. Pluteus cervinus (Schaetl.) Fr. ( 1 , . , rrrviiius, pertaining to deer). — Pileus
u]i to 3 Jin. (8.7 cm.), convex, gibbous, sometimes with minute wart-like elevations,
viscid when moist, Verona Brown to Warm Sepia (xxix.). Gills free from the
stem, moderately close, deep, Sea-shell Pink ( xj Y.) to Pale Pinkish Buft (xxix.).
Stem up to 2Ain. (6.2 cm.), rather stout, often curved, solid, white with a few
scattered brownish fibrils. Spores in the slied mass Vinaceons Cinnamon to
Mikado Brown (xxix.), microscopically rather quadrilateral, pale-tinted, 6.5 to

OF SOOTH AUSTRALIA.

A * 4.8 to 5.2 m. Cystidia prominent on the gills, ventrieosc, flat-topped with
prongs. On stumps. South Australia — National 1’urk, Greenhill Road. New
South Waits. April, June, July.

This species growing on stumps and logs can be recognised by the brown
expanded pileus, usually with minute wart-like elevations, the pinkish-butt gills,
usually slightly curved stem and microscopically the slightly tinted spores and
prominent cystidia. It is not very common and is reported as edible.

!><S. Pluteus nanus (Peis.) Fr. var. lutescens Fr. (L., mn-us, a dwarf ; lutescens,
becoming yellow). — Pileus 1| to lfin. (3.1 to 4.4 cm.), slightly convex, then
nearly plane, obscurely subumbonate, surface matt, slightly rivulose, faintly
striate, near I’rout's Blown, Buckthorn Brown to Cinnamon Brown (xv.). (Jills
just free or sometimes ndnexed, moderately close, manv short, ventricose, edges
slightly fringed, near Warm Buff (xv.). Stem f to -in. (1.8 to 5 cm.), slender,
slightly thickened below, slightly striate, solid, fibrocartilaginous, near Pinard
Yellow (IV.) to Amber Yellow (xvi.). Flesh of pileus thin, semitranslucent
greyish-brown, that of the stem yellow and separable from the pileus. Spores
subspherical, slightly irregular, slightly tinted, 5 to 6.5 n. Cystidia not seen.
On rotting wood. South Australia — National Park, Kinehina. July.

(b) PJLEUS CONFLUENT AND HOMOGENEOUS WITH TI1E FLESHY STEM.

*Gills sinuate.

ENTOLOMA Fr.

(Gr., rntiin, within; Inina, n fringe.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular or irregular. Stem central, tibrons or fleshy. Gills
sinuate, sinuato-adnate or ndnexed. Spores oink; angular, globose, elliptical e;
verrucose. Cystidia rarely present. Growing on the ground, very rarely on wood;
solitary, gregarious or eaespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

The genus corresponds with Tricholoma. The spores are usually angular. A
number of species in other part's of the world are known to be poisonous. As
the gills tend to become rosy or salmon-coloured from the mature spores, some
species might possibly be mistaken by the careless for field mushrooms. We have
several species, but the plants are usually uncommon and rarely more than a
few individuals are found together.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus drab with darker crack-like reticulations. Stem

with a pale smoke-grey bloom. Spores subspherical,

4.5 to 5.5 g 99.

Pileus huffy brown, subumbonate. Stem greyish horn.
Spores 8 to 9.5 x 6.5 /i 100.

Pileus and stem white with buffv tint's. Gills dingy
brownish flesh-coloured, edges serrate. Spores 10
to 11 i 5 ft 101.

Pileus blackish violaceous, conico-cotivex. Gills pallid
greyish-buff. Stem steel grey. Spores angular,
8x5/i 1 . . 1 02.

Entolonui retimlaUi.
E. mwonruiiH:

E. serrata.

E. Blntrami var.
mujuluta.

99. Entoloma reticulata del. (L., re lie Hiatus, netted). — Pileus 1 to 2in. (2.5
to 5 cm.), convex, depressed in the centre, surface slightly shining to dull,
reticulate with darker lines move or less concentrically arranged looking like
cracks and passing into depressions in some specimens presenting a rimoso
appearance, in some specimens near the periphery numerous little irregular raised
darker patches separated by paler cracks, near Drab (X'lvt.), the cracks darker.
Gills slightly sinuate with a tendency to a decurrent tooth, close, narrow, greyer
than Pinkish Buff (xxjx.). Stem jin. (1.8 cm.), rather slender, striate below,
stuffed or sometimes hollow above, with a greyish-brown bloom (Pale Smoke
Grey, xlvi.), dark brown beneath. Flesh thin, whitish. Spores subspherical
pear-shaped, rather angular, slightly coloured, 4.5 to 5.5 m- On the ground. South
Australia — Mount Lofty. April.

This species may perhaps be better placed under ClHopitm.

THE LARGER FUNGI

100. Entoloma muscorum Clel. (L., muscnx, moss). — 1 'ileus up to ljin. (3.1
cm.), irregularly convex, sulmmbonate, matt', near Bully Brown (XL.). Gills
deeply sinuately adnexed, nearly free, moderately close, ventrieose, near Avel
laneo’us (XL.). Stem Hin. (3.7 tin.), moderately slender, twisted, hollow, greyisli-
horn. Flesh greyish-horn. Spores irregularly elliptical, faintly tinted, 8 to 8.5 x
0.5 fi. No smell. Amongst moss. South Australia — Greenliill Road. August.

101. Entoloma serrata Clel. (L., serratus, toothed like a saw). — Pileus tin.
(2.5 cm.), deeply convex, irregular, smooth, white with huffy tints above. Gills
adnexed with a slight tooth, almost free, rather ascending, close, narrow, edge
serrate, dingy brownish flesh-coloured. Stem l{in. (3.1 cm.), Sin. (6 mm.) thick,
equal, slightly striate, solid, white with buff tints. Flesh of the stem continuous
with that of' the pileus. Smell quite strong. Spores oblique, one end pointed,
microscopically pale yellowish, 10 to 11 x 5 a. In swampy soil. South Aus-
tralia — Mount' Compass. April.

102. Entoloma Bloxamii Berk. var. angulata Clel. (After Rev. A. Bloxam, a
British mycologist; L., angulatus, angled). — Pileus lfin. (4.4 cm.), broadly
conieo-convex with a tendency to unibonation, surface matt, blackish with a violet
tint, edge pale. Gills adnexed, moderately close, 8 mm. deep, edges slightly
jagged, pallid greyish buff. Stem 2|in. (6.2 cm.), stout (1 cm. above, 1.3 cm.
below), somewhat' attenuated upwards, fibrillose, slightly hollow, steely grey.
Flesh white, thin except over the disc, flesh of stem similar in texture to that
of the pileus. Spores angular, faintly tinted, 8x5/1. On bare sandy soil in
heathy scrub. South Australia — Mount Burr (S.K.). May.

The Australian plant: resembles in stature the species as illustrated by Cooke.
The spores are, however, definitely angular and more elongated than subglobose.

**Gills decurrent or adnato-deeurrent by a tooth.

CLITOPILUS Fr.

(Gr., Tslitos, a slope; pilos, a cap.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular or irregular. Stem central, fleshy. Gills decurrent.
Spores pink; elliptical, fusiform, globose or oblong; angular, smooth or verrueose;
continuous. Growing on the ground.’’ — Rea.

The species are terrestrial and resemble CHtocybc in the white-spored group;
when the tint of the spores is slight, it may be difficult to decide in which genus
of the two to place the species concerned. The gills when not decurrent are
broadly adnate and then do not become bayed with age. We have several species,
one of which, C. xubfnmentact ux, is sometimes abundant; it is a fleshy species
whose spores are definitely but not deeply tinted and so may easily be looked
for in the genus ClHocybe.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Moderately large and stout.

Pileus 1 ! to 4in., pinkish cinnamon. Gills adnate
to adnato-deeurrent, light pinkish cinnamon.

Stem to 21, in., pallid fawn. Spores pyriform,

slightly irregular, tinted, 6.5 to 9 x 4.2 to 6 y . . 103. CUiopilus sub-

fnnnentaceus.

Smaller, about lilt.

Pileus colour of dead grass. Gills decurrent, pallid
salmon. Stem short, pileus appearing nearly

prostrate on the ground. Spores 9.5 to 10.5
x ;,j n 104. C. prnistratus.

Pileus pale brown. Gills subdecurrent', pale
brownish. Stem lin,, fibrillose, pallid. Spores
6.5 to 7 x 5.5 fi 105. C. austmliana.

103. Clitopilus subfrumentaceus Clel. (Subfrumentacew, in this case, resembling
the species Tricholoma f rumen taoewn Bull., Fr.). — Pileus 1| to lin. (3 to 10 cm.)
in diameter, irregularly convex, then more expanded or with the centre depressed,
often distorted, sometimes with a small umbo, suliHbvillose, edge turned in when
young, not shining, somewhat' liygropbanous, Pinkish Cinnamon, Cinnamon, Saynl

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Brown, or Mikado Brown (xxix.) becoming paler. Gills adnate to adnato-
decnrrent, narrow, moderately close, edges sometimes irregularly serrate, rarely
forking or anastomosing near the stem to form long narrow cell's, Light Pinkish
Cinnamon (xxtx.). Stem H to 24in. (3.7 to 6.2 cm.) high, stout (up to -Jin.,
2.2 cm. thick), base swollen ( 1 in., 2.5 cm., thick), sometimes a little excentrie,
somewhat mealy or fibrillose, Solid, pale fawny or biscuitv whitish or white.
.Flesh watery semi-translucent becoming whitish. Slight smell of radishes. Spores
obliquely pear-shaped, rather irregular, definitely tinted, 6.5 to 9 x 4.2 to 6 p.
Densely caespitose under trees or amongst grass. South Australia — Mount Lofty
Range, National Park. Victoria — Ararat. April to August.

104. Clitopilus prostratus Clel. (L., prostratus, lying fiat). — Pilous J to lin.
(1..N to 2.5 cm.) in diameter, very irregular, more or less convex- with the centre
depressed, somewhat rugose, somewhat fibrillose, edge sometimes crinkled, colour
of dead grass. Gills decurrent, moderately close, relatively deep, pallid salmon-
coloured. Stem short (1 cm.), central to excentrie, slender, surface matt, whitish.
Spores angular with a central yellowish gutta, tinted, 9.5 to 10.5 x 7.5 p. South
Australia — Nearly prostrate on bare sandy soil in heathy scrub near Mount Burr
(S.E.), Encounter Bay district, Kinehina. May, June.

In Encounter Bay specimens, the flesh of the stem is noted as being cartilaginous
and differing in texture from the pallid flesh of the pileus. If this is confirmed,
the species should be transferred to Kcci.Ua.

A small short-stemmed drab-coloured species resembling the common Cantharclliin
Jmmneuft, but the gills are a dingy salmon colour and do not tend to fork.

105. Clitopilus australiana Clel. (L., Amiralianus, Australian).- — Pileus ljin.
(3 cm.), convex, centre dimpled, pale brown. Gills slightly decurrent, close, pale
brownish. Stem lin. (2.5 cm.), fibrillose, pallid. Spores pear-shaped, slightly
angular, faintly tinted, 6.5 to 7 x 5.5 p. South Australia — National Park. July.

(<?) Pileus confluent with but heterogenous from the cartilaginous stem.

*Gills sinuate or sinuat'o-adnate.

Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the gills.

LEPTONIA Fr.

(Gr., lepton, thin.)

"Pileus slightly fleshy, regular, margin incurved. Stem central, cartilaginous.
Gills adnate, sinuato-adnnte or adnexed. Spores pink; angular, elliptical, sub-
globose or oblong; continuous. Cystidia rarely present. Growing on the ground
or on wood.” — Rea.

The plants are usually small and slender-stemmed with an umbilicate pileus
when mature and the edge of the pileus in-turned when young. The gills are
adnate or adnexed, seceding when old, and their original colour in the young
state becomes obscured by the salmon-tint of the spores as they mature. Our
ten or more species are in no instances numerous, being found as scattered
individuals in sandy soil or damp places, all on the ground. The pileus and stem
are in many of our species drab, brown or blackish ; in two the blackish stem
has a steel-blue or violet tint giving a beautiful effect. Another elegant species
is tlie green L. viridc-marginata.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

(Spores angular in all.)

Pileus not hygropllunous.

Pileus arid stem green.

Pileus striate. Gills yellow becoming pinkish
cinnamon, edges green. Spores 111 to 11.5

x 7.5 p 106. Lcptonia

viride-nmrginata.

Pildils dark honev-coloured. Stem paler.

Gills ‘ ‘ light-yellow pallid 1 ’ becoming pallid

pinkish buff. Spores 10 x 6 p 107. L. form-ona.

Pileus dull white.

Stem brown, paler above. Gills whitish.

Spores 6.5 x 3.2 p

108. L. albkla.

THK LARGER FI NCI

Pileus pallid brown tinted with pink.

Stem whitish. Gills pallid salmon with pink.

Spores 11 to 16 x 8 /r 109. L. macmpara.

Pileus snuff brown.

Stem dark -brown. Gills greyer than pinkish

cinnamon. Spores 0.5 y 110. L. tabaciita.

Pileus darker and greyer than drab.

Stem pale drab, rooting. Gills salmony drab.

Spores 7.5 x 5.5 y 111. L. nulicaio.

Pileus dark brown to fuscous.

Stem dusky drab. Gills vinaeeous buff.

Spores 11 to 111 x 7.5 y 112. L. fuuca.

Pileus blackish. Stem blackish with steel blue tints.

Gills whitish cinereous, edges not dark. Spores

9 to 10 x 5.5 y 113. L. knnpropufi.

Gills mouse grey, edges dark. Spores 1 1 x

7.5 n 11-1. L. fusco-mai'cjinaUi.

Pileus hygroplianous.

Pileus colour of dead grass.

Stem dingy greyish green. Gills pallid

salmon. Spores 8 to 0 x 5.5 to 7.5 y . . 115. L. asprella ?

*Not truly hygropluinous or markedly striate.

106. Leptonia viride-marginata Glel. (L., viridis, green; marijinatus, edged). —
Pileus Jin. (18 mm.), slightly convex with the centre dimpled, clad with small
fibrillose scales, edge slightly sulcate, dark green (near Dusky Olive Green, m),
Gills slightly sinuate with a decurrent tooth, moderately distant, alternate ones
short, of a Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xu.) tint passing into dark green which
edges the gills. Stem 2 Jin. (6.2 cm.), slender, flexuous, twisted, shining, finely
punctate above, rather tough, llesh heterogenous from that of the pileus, hollow,
dark gmn. Shed spores of salmony tint, microscopically angular pear-shaped,
11 to 11.3 x 7.5 y, cystidia not seen'. On the ground. South Australia — Mount
Lofty. June.

Specimens, apparently of this species but lacking the green edge to the gills
which were serrulate, have been found in sandy soil in Eucalyptus cosmophylla
scrub at Hall’s Creek, Encounter Bay, in May. The pileus was J to Jin. (1.2 to
1.8 cm.), umbilicate, striate, velutinate when young, becoming finely fibrillose,
Yellowish Oil Green (v.), Roman Green (xvi.), near Olive Lake and Dull Citrine
(xvi.), or Olive Ochre (x'xx.). Gills adnate or slightly sinuate with a tendency
to a decurrent tooth, moderately close, relatively rather deep (up to 5 mm.), near
Naphthalene Yellow (xVi.) to paler than Maize Yellow ( IV.) . Stem lin. (2.5 cm.)
or less, equal or slightly attenuated downwards, polished. Flesh of the pileus
very thin. Spores angular, with a large guttu, slightly tinted, 10 x 7.5 y.

107. Leptonia formosa Fr. (L., farvwmw, beautiful). — Pileus J to Jin. (1.2 to
1.8 cm.), convex to nearly plane, umbilicate, fibrillose, sometimes scaly in the
centre, dark yellow-brown (dark honey-coloured). Gills adnate or with a de-
current tooth, moderately close, pallid pinkish buff. Stem lin. (2.5 cm.), slender,
polished, brittle, with cartilaginous cortex and pith similar to the flesh of the
pileus, colour more pallid than that of the pileus. Spores angular, tinted, 10 x
6 y. Single or several together, in sandy soil or heath. South Australia — Near
Mount Burr (S.E.). May.

The species is characterised by the “yellow cast to the whole plant and the
striate and squamulose pileus’’ (Kauffmatin), The gills in the early stage are
‘ ‘ light-yellow-pallid ’ ’ (Rea). Striat um of the pileus and the yellow tinge of
the gills were not noted in the specimens we refer to this species.

108. Leptonia albida del. (L„ nlbiduu, whitish). — Pileus up to Jin. (1.8 cm),
slightly irregularly convex, then plane and a little depressed, subirmbonate, dull
white. Gills adnate or very slightly sinuate, moderately close, whitish. Stem
Jin. (1.8 cm,), slender, slightly attenuated downwards, stuffed tending to be
hollow, cartilaginous brown below tending to become dark, whitish .just below
the gills. Spores subspherieal, angular, slightly tinted, 6.5 x 3.2 y, 4.8 y.
Cystidia not seen. South Australia — On the ground amongst dead sticks, Kinchina.
July.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

109. Leptonia macrospora del. (Gr., « micros, long; apota, seed). — Pileus up

to lit). (2.5 cm.), convex, dimpled, then becoming irregular and umbilieate, surface
rather dull, somewhat matt, edge rather eremite and turned in when young, pallid
brownish with a [link tinge. Gills adnate to adnato-deeurrent, moderately close,
rather triangular, pallid salmony pink. Stem up to lin. (2.5 cm.), slender to
rather stout, rather silky, sometimes twisted, rather cartilaginous, slightly
hollow, whitish with fluffy mycelium at the base. Spore mass pinkish,

spores angular, •microscopically slightly coloured, 11 to 16 x 8 p. Cystidia not
seen. Amongst moss. South Australia — Port Lincoln. May.

110. Leptonia t.abacina del. ( Tnbacinus , snuff -coloured). — Pileus f to lin.
(1.8 to 2.5 cm,), convex, umbilieate, somewhat fibrillose, edge substriate, Snuff
Brown (xxix.), paler or darker in the centre. Gills ndnoxod, nearly free,
moderately close, ventricose, greyer than Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.) becoming
dingier and browner. Stem 1 tin. (.1.7 era.), slender, slightly attenuated upwards,
polished, cartilaginous, with pith and slightly hollow, dark brown (Bister, xxix.)
or Buffy Brown (xi,.), paler below the pileus. Flesh of the stem heterogeneous
from that of the pileus. Spores angular, slightly tinted, 6.5 /*, 7.5 to 8 x 5.5 M-
No cystidia seen. On the ground. South Australia — Stirling West, Mount Lofty,
Kaglc-on-the- -Hill. June, July.

111. Leptonia radicata Clel. (L., riHlicatun, rooting). — Pileus up to 1m.
(2.5 on.), irregularly convex, centre deeply umhilicated, subfibrillose, edge some-
times infolded, darker and greyer than Drab (xl'vk). Gills slightly decurrent,
edges a little thick, many short ones at the periphery, drab with a salmon-
coloured shade. Stem Jin. (1.8 cm.), moderately slender, fibrillose, mealy above,
solid, a little paler and greyer than the pileus, with a long tapering root (Jim,
1.8 cm., long). Flesh of pileus pallid, of the stem browner, peripheral flesh of
the stem more cartilaginous than the flesh of the pileus. Spores pear-shaped,
very slightly irregular, very faintly tinted, 7.5 to 8 x 5 to 5.5 p. On the ground.
South Australia — Kinchina. August,

112. Leptonia fusca Clel. (L., f uncus, dusky brown). — Pileus 1 to 1-Jin.
(1.8 to 3.2 cm.), convex, umbilieate, radintely fibrillose, between Natal Brown
and Bone Brown (XI,.), near Fuscous (xlvi.). Gills sinuately adnexod, moderately
close, up to 5 mm. deep, edges not dark, near Vinaeeous Buff (XL.) or Wood
Brown (XL.). Stem IJin. (3.1 cm.), slender, sometimes flattened, polished, brittle,
hollow, cartilaginous, near Dusky Drab (xlv.) and Deep Quaker Drab (lt.),
base whitish. Flesh very thin. Spores angular, tinted, 11 to 11 x 7.5 p, occa-
sionally to 15 x 8.5 p. Single or sulu-aospitose, on the ground. South Australia — -
Encounter Bay, Kuitpo, MneDonnell Bay (S.E.), near Mount Burr (S.E.). May,
June.

Characterise!) by the dark dusky brown pileus and stem, whitish base to the
stein, vinaeeous buff gills and rather large angular spores.

113. Leptonia lampropus Fr. (Gr., lamprox, bright; pons, a foot). — Pileus
under Jin. to lin. (1 to 2.5 cm.), convex, umbilieate, very finely fibrillose, edge
slightly inturned, dark brown nearly black. Gills adnate to sinuately ndnexed,
moderately close, greyish- flesh, near Light Pinkish Grey (lin.) or Vinaeeous
Buff (xl.') becoming darker. Stem 1 to 2in. (2.5 to 5 cm.), slender, slightly
attenuated upwards, hollow, cartilaginous, steel-blue-violaceous (near Purplish
Gray, Liu., Pale Neutral Gray, uu.) with white mycelium at the base. Spores
elliptical, angular, slightly tinted, 9 to 12.5 x .5.5 to 7.5 p. On the ground.
Smith Australia — National' Park, Kuitpo, Encounter Bay, near Mount Burr (S.E.).
May, June.

114. Leptonia fusco-marginata Clel. (L., fimcux, dusky; nmrc/malus, edged). —
Pileus 1 to 1 Jin. (2.5 to 3.7 cm.), slightly convex to nearly plane, umbilieate in
the centre, sometimes slightly infundibuliform, somewhat fibrillose, striate-rugose,
edge sometimes crenulate, near Blackish Brown (xlv.). Gills sinuately adnexed,
narrow, moderately close, near Light Cinnamon Drab (XLVl.), edges dark. Stem
IJin. (3.7 cm.), slender, polished, base a little swollen and with a trace of white,
blackish brown with a violet or steel-blue. tint. Flesh very lliin. Spores angular,
tinted, 9.5 x 7 p. On the ground. South Australia — Back Valley near Encounter
Bay. May.

Characterised by the nearly black cap. Ihe dark edge to the gills and the
blackish stem with a violet tint.

THE LARGER FFNGI

**Pileus hygroplianous, margin striate when fresh and moist.

115. Lep'tonia asprella Fr . ! (L., asprellus, somewhat rough). — Pileus lin.
(-.5 cm.), convex, depressed in the centre, slightly fibrillose. silky shining and
livid grey or the colour of dead grass when dry. Gills adnexed or sinuate, then
seceding, ventrieosc, pallid salmon. Stem U to 3 Jin. (3.7 to S.7 cm.), polished,
subfibrillose or slightly striate, hollow, Drab (xi.vi.) or pallid dingy greyish-
green. Flesh very thin. Spores pear-shaped, polygonal, slightly tinted, S to 9
x 5.5 to 7.5 p. On the ground in debris. South Australia — Mount Loftv. April,
dune.

The description of our plants does not agree closely with that of the British
species given by Rea. As our plants appear to be hvgrophaiious, though this is
not specially mentioned in the notes, and Kauffmann refers to the variability of
L. asprella and described a variety resembling our species, we place them
provisionally under this name.

Margin of pileus straight, at first' adpressed to the stem.

NOLANEA Fr.

(L., nola, a bell.)

‘‘ Pileus fleshy or subineinbraiiaeeous, regular; margin straight, at first adpressed
to the stem. Stem central, cartilaginous. Gills adnate, adnexed or sinuato-
ndnate. Spores pink; angular, elliptical or globose; smooth or rough; continuous.
Growing on the ground, rarely on wood; solitary or gregarious.’’ — Rea.

The species are small and slender with a bell-shaped or conico-campanulate
pileus which does not expand, the edge not being in-turned when young but the
margin straight on the stem. Only one species has been recognised in this State
but several others probably occur, though rarely.

Hd. Nolanea pascua (Pers.) Fr. (L., pasauus, of pasture). — Pileus lin. (2.5
cm.), conico-campanulate, papillate, hygroplianous, when dry silky smoky grey.
Gills adnexed, ascending, dirty rosy grey. Stem 2in. (5 cm.), slender, sliglitiy
striate, hollow, cartilaginous, greyish-brown, whitish at the base. Spores angular,
slightly tinted, 9.5 x 6.5 to 8 p. No eystidia seen. On the ground. South
Australia — K inchina. J uly.

**Gills decurrent.

ECCILIA Fr.

(Gr., enkmlos, hollowed out.)

■‘Pileus fleshy or submembranaeeous, uinbilicate; margin incurved. Stem een
tral, cartilaginous. Gills decurrent. Spores pink, angular, continuous. Cvstidia
rarely present. Growing on the ground, rarely on wood-” — Rea.

The plants of this genus are small and slender and correspond to Omphalia in
the white-spored species. The gills are decurrent and the flesh of the cartilaginous
Stem differs in texture from that of the cap. No species have been recognised
ns yet with us, though Clitopilns p rostral ns should perhaps be transferred to
Eccilia.

( d ) Pileus confluent with the excentuu- or lateral stem or dimidiate,

SESSILE OR RESUPINATE.

CLAUDOPUS W. G. Sm.

(L., clavdus, lame; Gr., pom, a foot.)

“Pileus fleshy, excentric, lateral or resupinate. Stem lateral or none. Gills
radiating from a central point or decurrent. Spores pink; elliptical, globose or
oblong; smooth, angular or verrucosa; continuous. Cvstidia present. Growing-
on wood or on the ground.'' — Rea.

The genus can be recognised by the pink spores and by the stem when present
being excentric or lateral or by the pileus being resupinate with the gills radiating
from an excentric or lateral point. The variety of C. rariabilis is not uncommon
with us, attached to sticks, etc., or even growing on the scanty soil attached to
the exposed surfaces of loose stones.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

117. Claudopus variabilis (Pers.) W. G. Sm. var. sphaerosporus Pat. (L.,
varialilis, variable. Gr., sphaira, a ball; spor'a, seed). — Pileus up to Jin. (1.2 cm.),
convex to nearly plane, sometimes irregular, more or less flabelliform, matt or
somewhat villous to floccose, edge slightly incurved, whitish, sometimes with tinges
of yellow-brown. Gills moderately close, many short, adnate or slightly decurrent,
radiating from a slightly fluffy lateral attachment, whitish with a faint salmon
tint or pale cream, becoming pale brownish (near Sayal Brown, x x i x . ) . home-
times with a nearly lateral, very short and hardly existent, whitish stem. Spores
microscopically pale-tinted to pallid brownish, elliptical, oblique, (5.8 to 8 x 4.2
to 5.2 ,u. On logs, fallen sticks, inside a burnt hollow stump, etc. South Austra-
lia — Mount Lofty, in one case attached round a stone; Mount Compass; Port
Lincoln. Xew South Wales. Victoria. May, June.

C. SPORES GREEN. CHLOROSPORAE.

No green-spored agarics have yet been recorded for Australia.

(a) Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy stem.
*With a ring on the stem but no volva.

CHLOROPHYLLUM Mass.

(Gr., chloros , pale green; pliyllon, a leaf.)

Like Lepiota and PsalKota with a ring and no volva, but with the spores
blue-green.

No Australian species recorded.

**Without a ring or volva.

GLAUCOSPORA Rea.

( Chlorospora Mass.)

(Gr., plauhos, pale green, bluish-green; spora, a seed.)

‘‘Pileus fleshy, regular; margin at first incurved. Gills free from the stem.
Spores bluish-green, elliptical, wall continuous. Growing on the ground.’’ — Rea.
No Australian species recorded.

D. SPORES BROWN. OCHROSPOBAE.

(«) Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy stem.
*Witli a volva at the base of the stem but no ring.

LOCELLINIA Gill ( ACETABULARIA Berk.).

(L., locellus, a casket.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central, thin. Volva membranaceous, sheathing.
Gills free or adnate. Spores oehraceous or somewhat fuscous, oval or oblong,
smooth, continuous. Cvstidia ventricose, pointed. Growing on the ground.’’ — Rea.

No South Australian species recorded.

**Without a ring or a volva.

PLUTEOLUS Er.

(L., pluteolu. s, a little pent house.)

“Pileus fleshy, very thin, viscid; margin at first straight, adpressed to the
stem. Stem central, subcartilaginous. Gills free, rounded behind. Spores ochra-
ceous, ferruginous or oehraceous brown ; elliptical, smooth. Cvstidia obpyrifonn
or ventricose. Usually growing on wood.’’ — Ren.

100

THE LARGER FUNGI

These are thin-capped putrescent fungi with free gills, viscid pileus and
separable stein, differing from Balbiti.iis in that the gills do not tend to soften
and dissolve in wet weather hut nevertheless sometimes united with Bolbitius.
In (kiln'd, the stem is not truly separable, the cap is not viscid and the gills
are attached. Only one species has been recognised in South Australia and that,
from its habitat, is probably an introduced one.

IIS. Pluteolus coprophilus l’eck. (Gr., koprox, dung; philos , loving). — Pileus
1 ill. (2.b cm.) or more in diameter, at first ovate, then conieo-cnmpanulate, finally
upturned, striate, whitish, with a slight pale pinkish-buff or yellowish tint. Gills
just free, ascending, moderately close, pallid watery brown. Stem IJin. (4.4 cm.),
moderately slender, slightly attenuated upwards, fibril lose then mealy, hollow,
whitish. Flesh with a trace of yellow. Spores elliptical, yellow brown, 10.5 to
13 x S /j.. Subcaespito.se on manure. South Australia — Mental Hospital. Parkside.
July.

(Il) PlUSl’S CONFLUENT AND HOMOGENEOUS WITH THE FLESHY STEM.

*Witli a membranaceous ring on the stem.

Spores ferruginous; general veil persistent.

ROZITES Karst.

(After E. Roze, a French mycologist.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular, clad with a thin general veil. Stem central, fleshy.
Ring membranaeeous. Gills adnate. Spores ferruginous. Growing on the
ground. ' ' — Rea.

119. Rozites australiensis Clel. et Cheel. (L., Australis-mix, Australian). —
When young subglobose or pear-shaped, 3 to Tin. (7.5 to 17.5 cm.) with a thick
stem clad with ragged fragments of the universal veil and with a conical root, a
secondary veil present, viscid when moist, pure white or with a slight brownish
tint, Pileus when adult up to 11 in. (27.5 cm.) in diameter, sometimes only 2 or
•"in. (5 to 7.5 cm.), expanding to convex and then nearly plane and usually
broadly subumbonatc, sometimes with a depression in the umbo, smooth, sometimes
cracking, with fragments of the veil at the edge, white with a slight brownish
tint. Gills when young pule straw colour and adnate, finally slightly sinuate and
nearly or seemingly free or seemingly decurrent' on the stem, moderately close,
rather narrow (up to 8 mm.), pale salmony-brown becoming more eiiinamoiiy,
finally rich rusty brown (Oohraceous Tawny, xv.). Stem when adult up to din.
(15 cm.), 1,1 to 2Jin. (3.7 to d.2 cm.) thick, often much less than these measure-
ments, becoming bulbous below and then contracting into a conical root, slightly
tibrillose, solid, white with large ragged fragments of a rather superior or sub
distant ring or with a marked membranous ring more than Jin. (1.2 cm.) deep,
and below this often the remains of the universal veil. Flesh thick, tough, white.
No smell. Spores in the mass rich ferruginous brown, microscopically yel’ow-
brown, oblique with pointed ends, 8.5 to 12.x x 5 to 7.2 /jl. Attached to white
mycelial threads traversing the ground and forming indefinite masses. South
Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park, Kuitpo, Ashton near Norton’s Summit.
New South Wales. April, May, July.

Spares ochraccous or ferruginous, generally smooth; general veil none or fugacious.

PHOLIOTA Fr.

(Gr,, pholis, a scale; ioux, otos , the ear.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central. Ring membranaceous, persistent or
fugacious, superior or inferior. Gills adnate or decurrent' with a tooth. Spores
oohraceous or ferruginous, rarely fuscous; elliptical, oval, obovate, subreniform
or oblong elliptical; generally smooth, continuous or with a germ-spore. Growing
on the ground or on wood, often caespitose. ” — Rea.

The genus is characterised by tbe brown spores, by the possession of a ring
derived from the partial veil, by the stem being continuous with the pileus, the
absence of a vulva and the attached gills. Some grow on the ground, some on
wood or even on the trunks of growing trees. In size, the species vary from
rather small to large.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

101

Only a few species have been recorded for this State. Pholiota praecox, a
species eaten in the United States, grows on lawns and may not be recognised
at first as belonging to this genus on account of the ring soon becoming in-
definite. Pholiota advposu, a handsome large species with a scaly pilous grows
on the trunks of timber trees and is a destructive species; it has not been
recorded from South Australia, but occurs in the Blue Mountains in New South
Wales.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Growing on the ground, not actuate to mosses, rarely
caespitose. .

I ’ileus viscid when moist.

On lawns and grassy places.

In early autumn. Pilous 1 to ljin.,
cream to warm buff. Gills at first
pallid. Ring evanescent. Spores 9 to

do x 7 to 9 p 1-0. Pholiota praecox.

In forest.

Pilous Sin., striate, yellow-brown. Gills
adnate, rusty cinnamon. Stem fibril-
lose. Ring superior, slightly coloured.

Spores 8 to 8.5 x 5.5 p . . .' 121. Ph. subtogularis.

Pilous not viscid, hygrophanous.

Edge of pileus striate.

Gills finely serrate.

Ring pallid, superior. Pileus to lfin.,
convex, sometimes subumbonate,
verona brown to tawny, drying
buff. Gills adnate. Spores 6.5 to
9.5 x 4 to 6 m 122. Ph. serrukita.

Gills not serrate.

Ring marked, yellowish-brown. Pileus
to Jin., mineral brown. Gills ad-
nexed to adnate, yellowish-cinna-
mon. Spores 9 to 13.8 x 6 to 7 p . 123. Ph. recedens.

Edge of pileus not or rarely striate.

Ring evident.

Amongst grass. Pileus i to fin.,
convex. Gills adnate with decurrent
tooth, ferruginous. Stem pallid
brown, striate, base swollen, with
whitish mycelium. Spores 6.5 to 8
x 4 to 5 p 124 . Ph. gramiinwm.

In open forest or scrub. Pileus to
1 fin., maroon when moist to russet
or tawny when dry. Gills adnate.

Stem Kaiser brown. Ring pallid.

Spores 7.5 to 10.5 x 4.5 to 5.5 p . 125. Ph. Tuf'O-flcwa.

Ring often indefinite, pallid. On bare
ground or under trees.

Pileus usually subumbonate, yellowish-
brown drying pallid. Gills adnate,
reddish brown. Stem pallid to

reddish brown. Spores 7.5 to 9.5

x 4.5 to 5 126. Ph. imperfecta.

Growing on or near wood.

Densely caespitose near stumps.

Pileus to 3in., raw sienna to empire yellow.

Gills umber. Stem shaggy, deep colonial

buff. Spores 7.5 x 4 to 4.5 p .. 127. Ph. squarrosipes.

Single or few together on logs, chips, etc.

Hygrophanous.

Pileus lfin., reddisli-brown drying cinnamon
buff. Gills adnate becoming rusty. Stem
pallid brown with white mycelial base.

Spores 8.5 x 4.8 128- Fti - enogenus.

102

THE LARGER FUNGI

Pilous fiu., edge striate, convex t'o nearly
plane, antique brown to cinnamon brown.

(fills adnnte to adnexed, tawny. Spores 7

to 9.5 x 4.8 to 5 fi 129. Ph. tnai’ffiiiala,

(■rowing amongst musses.

Pilous i to 1 in., liygrophanous, Sudan brown
drying tawny olive. Gills adnate to subdeeurrent,
watery brown. Bing subdistant, whitisli. Stem
pallid. Spores 7.5 to 9.5 x 5.5 to 7 p . . . . 130. Ph, mtbp-umila.

1. Growing on tlie ground, not adnate to mosses, rarely eaespitose.

12(1. Pholiota praecox (Pers.) Fr. (L„ pracoox, early). — Pileus 1 to Him
(2.5 to 3.7 cm), at first nearly hemispherical, then convex, sometimes a little
irregular, sticky when moist, smooth, edge at first interned, then with appeal-
dieulate remains of the veil, when young near Tawny Olive (xxrx.), when adult
Cream Colour (xvi.), Cream Butt' (xxx.) to near Naples Yellow (xvi.), when
old near Warm Buff (XV.). Gills sinuately adnexed, moderately close, narrow,
edges finely serrate, at first whitish, then pallid greyish brown, then Drab (xi.vi.)
to tSaccardo's Umber (xxix.), finally browner than Butty Brown (xi,.) or Warm
Sepia (xxix.) or Brussell’s Brown (in.). Stem If to 1 f in. (3.1 to 4.5 cm.),
sometimes excentric or deformed, equal or slightly attenuated downwards, striate,
.slightly hollow, whitish. Spore mass near Argus Brown (in.), spores obliquely
elliptical, fuscous brown or olive brown, 9 to 15 x 7 to 9 g. Smell a little strong.
South Australia — Lawn at the University. February, April.

121. Pholiota subtogularis Clel. ( Suhtoguhiri here close to the species Pli.
twgularix Bull., Fr.), — Pileus (tin. (1.5 cm.), convex, sometimes slightly umbonate,
edge striate, viscid when moist, when dry between Ochraceous Buff and Antimony
'fellow (xv.)_ Gills adnate, moderately close, pallid yellowish brown becoming
rusty cinnamon. Stem 1| to 1 fin. (3 to 4 cm.), slender, slightly flexuous, fib-
rillose up to the superior slightly yellowish brown ring, slightly hollow, pale
brownish. Flesh thin, brownish. Spores elliptical, one end more pointed, yellow
brown, 8 to 8.5 x 5.5 y. On the ground. South Australia — Amongst pine needles
in Pinun radial a, Don. forest, Mount Burr (S.E.).

The species is characterised by its ground habit, the yellow brown, viscid, striate
pileus, (lie superior slightly coloured ring and the fibriliose stem.

122. Pholiota serrulata Clel, (L., serndatus, toothed like a little saw). — Pileus
} to If in. (1.8 to 4.5 cm.), conico-eonvex to convex, sometimes dimpled, some-
times umbonate, markedly liygrophanous, edge striate when moist, surface mealy-
looking when dry, when young near Vandyke Brown (xxvui.), when adult aiid
moist" near \ erona Brown (xxix.), near Argus Brown (III.) or between Tawny
and Ochraceous Tawny (xv.), when dry Pinkish Buff, Pale Pinkish Buff,
Ochraceous Buff or Light Ochraceous Buff (xv.). Gills adnate or with a tendency
lo decurrence, rather close, narrow (3 mm.), edges finely serrate, more tawny
than Hazel (xiv.) to more tawny than Auburn (u.), near Kaiser Brown (xiv.),
Ochraceous Tawnv (xv.) or near Argus Brown (in.). Stem f to 1-Jin. (1.8 to
3.7 cm.), slender (up to 3.5 mm. thick), nearly equal, solid, whitish fibriliose
below the superior subdistant flimsy whitisli ring, tinted like the gills beneath
the whitish fibrils, whitish at the base. Flesh of the pileus thin and whitish,
of the stem coucolorous. Spores elliptical, with one side flattened, yellowish-
brown, (i.5 to 9.5 x 4 to (j y. On the ground, usually in sandy loam. South
Australia — In stringy bark (Eumlyptiid obliqva L’Herit.) forest, National Park;
Mount Lofty, Mvlor, Encounter Bay, Port Lincoln. April, May.

123. Pholiota recedens Cke. et Mass. (1,., rucrdcHs, retiring). — Pileus J to
iin. (1.2 to 2.1 cm.), convex and slightly conical or hemispherical, when young
with line pale yellowish-brown furfuraceous scales from tiro veil, slightly hygro-
phanous, when moist very dark brown (mineral brown) and tile edge slightly
striate, paler brown when dry. Gills adnexed or adnate, moderately distant,
pallid brown, then pale yellowish-cinnamon to hazel. Stem If to 2iu. (3.1 to
5 cm.), striate, hollow, brownish. Ring marked, reflexed, striate above, moderately
distant, vellowisli-buff. Flesh brownish. Spores oblique, with pointed ends, 9 to
13.8 x 6 to 7 y. On the ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty. New South
Woles. May, June, August.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

103

124. Pholiota. graminum del. (L.. fframinum, of grasses). — Vilens 4 to
'jin. ; 1.2 to 1..S cm. ) , convex or nearly hemispherical to nearly plane, not striate,
sometimes suhumbonate, hygroplmnous, reddish-brown becoming pallid, when young
sometimes with a white edging from the veil. Gills adnate or with a deeurrent
tooth, close, falling short of the edge, ferruginous, at first paler, stem 14 to
ljin. (3.7 to 4.3 cm.), striate, slightly swollen below, hollow, pallid brownish,
whitish from mycelial threads at the base. Ring subsuperior, membranaceous,
evident or rather evanescent. Amongst or attached to grass with whitish
mycelium, sometimes subcaespitose. Spores oblique, brown. 6.5 to 8 x 4 to 5 n.
South Australia — Kinchin a, Adelaide. July, September.

The habitat (amongst grass), the reddish-brown pileus becoming pale, the
usually evident ring, and the whitish mycelium round the base are the chief
characteristics of the species.

125. Pholiota rufo-fulva del. (1,., nifun, reddish-yellow; fulvua, deep yellow,
tawny). — Pileus up to ljin. (5.7 cm.), at first eonico-eonvex, then convex or
irregularly convexo-plane. minutely fibrillose becoming subfloceose to velvety,
usually not striate, edge a little turned in when young, darker than Pecan Brown
(xxvm.) to Russet (xv.) } Liver Brown (xiv.), when old becoming Tawny (xv.),
when moist very dark maroon-brown. Gills adnate, close or a little distant, deep
(up to jin., 8 mm.), somewhat ventrieose, with short ones at the periphery, of
the colour of the pileus becoming more cinnamon, Argus Brown (III.) or near
Chestnut Brown (n.). Stem uji to ljin. (3.4 cm.), moderately slender, fibrillose,
solid, when moist Kaiser Brown to Carol) (xiv.), or near liliaceous Fawn (XL.),
drying pallid with tints of the pileus, sometimes with white mycelium at the base.
Veil white, definite when young, rupturing to leave a decided whitish or pallid
superior ring, f lesh brownish. Single or subcaespitose, often on sandy soil, the
type at the base of Euealypts. Spores yellow-brown, obliquely elliptical, 7.5 to
10.3 x 4 to 5.5 /x, hypliae of subliymenial "layer large. South Australia — Burnside,
Mount Lofty, National Park, Happy Valley, Kinchimi, Encounter Bay, Mount
Remarkable. April to September.

Plant's of this species are characterised by the dark maroon-brown cap
becoming russet to tawny when dry, tile gills at first like the cap becoming
brownish cinnamon, the brown stem and whitish ring.

126. Pholiota imperfecta (Tel. (L., imperfeet'iix, imperfect, in reference to the
ring). — Pileus 4 to Jin. (1.2 to 1.8 cm.), convex, then nearly plane, usually
siilnnnbonate, sometimes with the edge substriate, hygroplmnous, waxy dull
yellowish-brown drying to pallid brownish (near Sayal Brown, xxix.) from the
centre. Gills adnate, moderately close, many short, reddish-brown to ferruginous
cinnamon. Stem Tin. (2.5 cm.), slender, solid or hollow, fibrillose, pallid to
reddish-brown. Ring superior to rather distant, imperfect, whitish. Spores
oblique, rather narrow, with one end acute, 7.5 to 9.5 x 4.5 to 5 ix. On the
ground, often on bare ground, near trees, etc. South Australia — Second Valley
Forest Reserve, Beaumont Common, MaeLtiren Vale. May, June.

II. Growing on wood, frequently caespitose.

127. Pholiota squarrosipes del. (L., xqmvrromH, scaly; pen, a foot). — Densely
caespitose or sometimes solitary on the ground near Eucalyptus stumps. Pilei
| to 3 in. (1.8 to 7.5 cm.) in diameter, deeply to irregularly convex, depressed in
places, sometimes subumbouatc or broadly umbonate, viscid when moist, nearly
smooth, sometimes fibrillose, shining when dry, Raw Sienna (in.), Ochraeeous
Tawny or Tawny (XV.) in the centre, Empire Yellow (iv.) or near Antimony Yellow
(XV.) round the edge, where injured with reddish marks. Gills at first closed
with the veil, adnate or with a deeurrent tooth, moderately close, rather narrow,
near Saceardo’s Umber (xxix.). Yellow Ochre becoming Buckthorn Brown (XV.),
in some lights Honey Yellow to Isabella Color (xxx.). Stems li to 3 j in. (3.7
to 8 cm.), slender to moderately stout (5 to 12 mm. thick), slightly attenuated
downwards, shaggy with fibrillose scales from the veil to just below the gills,
then slightly fibrillose, solid, near Deep Colonial Buff (xxx.) or Antimony
Yellow (xv. ). Ring present only when young. Flesh of pilei whitish, of steins
pale yellowish. White mycelium in the ground around. No taste, smell slight.
Spore mass near Saccardo’s Umber (xxix.), spores elliptical, oblique, micros-
copically pale fuscous brown, 6.5 to 8 x 4 to 4.5 /x. South Australia — Encounter
Bay. Upper Tunkalillu Creek. May, June.

104

THE LARGER Fl'NGl

128. Pholiota eriogena Fr. (Gr., erion, wool; genos, descent, offspring —
evidently in reference to the woolly base of the stem). — Pilous 1 jin. (3.1 cm.),
deeply convex, smooth, hygroplianous, reddish-brown when moist, Cinnamon Buff
(xxix.) when dry. Gills adnate, attenuated outwards, 8 mm. deep, Sayal Brown
(xxix.) becoming rusty. Stem ljin. (3.7 cm.), rather slender, equal, flbrillose-
striate, slightly excavated, pallid brownish with white mycelium at the base. Sing
moderately superior, brownish. Spores obliquely elliptical, yellowish-brown, 8.5 x
4.8 ,u. On wood. South Australia — Mount Burr Forest (S.E.). Western
Australia. May.

These South Australian plants we refer to this species described by Fries in
“Plantae Preissianae in Australasia coll.” In Cooke’s “Handbook of Austra-
lian Fungi,” the pileus is given as ferruginous, the stem as fistulose and girt
at' the base with a densely woolly -mycelium, and the gills as cinnamon. There is
obviously doubt as to whether this determination is correct. The white mycelium
at the base is hardly “densely woolly” in the South Australian specimens.

129. Pholiota marginata (Batscli) Fr. (L., margimatus, furnished with a
border). — Pileus fin. (1.8 cm.), convex to nearly plane, edge slightly striate,
hygroplianous, when moist Antique Brown (ill.) t'o near Cinnamon Brown (xv.),
becoming pallid. Gills adnate to aduexed, moderately close, slightly ventrieose,
many short ones, near Tawny Olive (xxix.) to Ochraceous Tawny (XV.). Stem
1 j to Him (3.1 to 3.7 cm.), fibrillose, fluffy af the base, mealy above, slightly
hollow, pallid streaked with brown above, pallid whitish below. Bing superior
to median, marked, membranous, rather flimsy, pallid brownish. Spores oblique,
yellowish-brown, 7 to 9.5 x 4.8 to 5 a- On the ground attached to buried chips,
etc. South Australia — Mount Lofty. June, August.

111. Growing amongst mosses. Hygroplianous.

130. Pholiota subpumila del. (L., pumilus, dwarf; sub, in this sense, some-
what like P. pumila Fr.). — Pileus f to Him (15 to 28 mm.), convex then
becoming flattened or a little depressed, umbonate when young, sometimes a little
wavy, hygroplianous, shining vvaxy-looking, near Sudan Brown (ill.), drying to
Tawny Olive (xxix.). Gills adnate or slightly decurrent, rather triangular,
rather close, watery brown. Stem H- to Bin. (3.7 to 7.5 cm.), equal or slightly
attenuated upwards, fibrillose, white or with a slight' tinge of the colour of the
pileus. King subdistant, whitish, sometimes not marked. Spore mass fuscous
brown, spores microscopically oval, oblique, yellow-brown, 7.5 to 9.5 x 5.5 to 7 p.
Growing amongst moss. South Australia — Greenhill Road, Eagle-on -the-Hill,
Waterfall Gully, Coromandel Valley, near Clarendon. June.

Closely related to PU. pumila Fr., hut larger, stem paler, gills browner and
spores a little larger.

**With an arachnoid or filamentous general veil.

1. Veil forming an arachnoid, fugacious ring on the stem.

CORTINARIUS Fr.

(L., cortina, a veil.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Veil arachnoid, distinct from the pellicle of the pileus,
viscid or dry. Stem central. Gills adnate, sinuate, sinuato-aduate, or decurrent,
pulverulent with the spores at maturity. Spores ochraceous, citron-yellow, golden,
clay colour, cinnamon, ferruginous, tawny or fuscous; oval, elliptical, pip-shaped,
oblong elliptical, almond-shaped or fusiform; smooth, verrucose, granular,
nculeolate or echinulate, continuous. Cystidia rarely on the surface of the gills
or on the edge. Growing on the ground, solitary, caespitose or suheaespitose. ” —
Rea.

The genus is characterised by the cinnamon or rustv-brown spores and the
spider-web-like or arachnoid veil or cortina, distinct from the pellicle of the
pileus. The fleshy stem is continuous with the pileus and the species grow on
the ground, mostly under trees. The gills become powdery with the spores at
maturity. The genus is a very natural one, and once their characteristic habit
is recognised there is usually little difficulty in recognising members in the field.
The pileus is sometimes brightly coloured in purple, violet, green, or yellow-brown,
ami the gills may show similar bright tints and vary in colour as they mature.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

105

ending in cinnamon or rusty-brown from the powdery spores. In the subgenera
Phlegmacium and My.mmicium, the pilous is viscid, thus resembling Hebeloma, but
in the latter the spores are paler and less vivid in tints and the veil is not
eob-webby but fibrillose or absent. The subgenera Inoloma and Dermocybe
resemble Inncybc and Astrosporina in the pilous being innately silky or scaly dry,
but the latter have paler spores, lack a cob-web veil though they possess a scanty
fibrillose cortina concrete with the epidermis of the cap, often have cystidia and
in the case of the last-named have angular spores. The stem is sometimes bulbous
and the bulb may have a definite margin, constituting for some authors the sub-
genus Bulbnpodium, with viscid pileus, separated from Phlegmacium.

The species are very numerous in parts of the world, Rea in his “British
Basidiomycetae ' ’ describing 239, and Kauffman in “The Agaricaceae of
Michigan” 154. About 26 have been so far recognised in this State but probably
another 20 have been collected but not yet differentiated. The plants are common
in our late autumn and winter and often grow in dense caespitose masses. Some
are very large, five to seven or more inches in diameter, and others are cjuite
small but make a readily recognisable object by being densely massed together.
Such viscid violet' species as C. Archeri and C. subaPdheri and the green
C. subvenetns are frequently found.

SUBGENUS: 1. PHLEGMACIUM Fr.

(Gr., phlegma, phlegm.)

‘ ‘ Veil viscid on the pileus, arachnoid, dry on the stem. ’ ’ — Rea.
In Phleg-macwm the pileus is viscid but the stem is dry.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Shades of blue or violet' present.

Lavender tints (sometimes absent) on stem only,
base usually bulbous but not definitely marginate.

Large, up to 3in. Pileus whitish or pallid
with pinkisli-buff tints. Gills becoming buff
or ochraceous-tawny. Spores 7.5 to 12 x 4.5

to 6.5 131. C. (Ph.) lavendulen-

„ • sis.

Greenish-blue tint's more or less evident on the
pileus and stem.

Yellowish or yellowish-brown tints predom-
inating in the pileus. Spores subspherical,

8x6, 6.5 x 5.2, 7 to 9 y 132. C. (PI i.) rotuncli-

sporus.

Faint violet tint in gills when young. Stem
whitish in Australian plants (tinted with
violaceous in British).

Very large, tip to 9in. Pileus becoming dark
scorched brown. Gills pallid brownish-white,
tinted with violet, finally dark-brown. Spores

10.4 to 12 x 5 m 133. C. (Ph.) largus.

Stem oehraeeous tawny with lilac above, flesh
slightly lilac.

Pileus 24 to 34in., clay colour to yellow ochre.

Gills tawny olive. Spores 11 x 5.5 to

7.5 y . . 134. C.

Gills vinaeeous drab.

Pileus about 2in., cinnamon buff to Sayal
brown. Stem bulbous, pallid with brownish
tints. Spores 9 to 11 x 4.5 to 5 y . . . . 135. C.

Plants brown or yellow-brown, no blue.

Medium sized, 14 to 3in. Pileus dark brown.

Gills near raw sienna. Stem yellowish and
brownish tinted. Spores 8.5 to 10.4 x 5.5
to 7 y 136. C.

(Ph.) lilacivo-
fulvus.

(Ph.) vinaceo-
Icmellatus.

(Ph.) castaneo-
fulvus.

106

THE LARGER FUNGI

Medium sized, 2 to 21 in. Pileus tawny olive to
snuff brown, (tills tawny olive. Stem brownish.

Spores 9 x o (i 137. C. (Ph.) ochruceo-

fulvus.

Medium sized, 1 to 24in. Pileus oehraeeous tawny.

(tills pinkish buff to tawny olive. Stem
oehraeeous tawny, fragile. Spores 11 to 12 x

7 ii 138. C. (Ph.) fragittpe*.

Large, up to 4Aiu. Pileus, gills, and stem

orhrareous-tawny. Spores 9 x 5.5 fi 139. C. (Ph.) SUblargUS.

Large, up to 3-1 in. Pilous whitish. Gills at first
whitish then cinnamon. Stem short above ground

with long conical root. Spores 9 to 10 x 5,5 p .. 140. C. (Ph.) radical vs.

131. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) lavendulensis Clel. (Medieval L., lavendula r
lavender, in reference to the colour of the stem). — Pileus lj to 31in. (3 to
8.7 cm.), glutinous, irregularly convex, finally somewhat upturned, pallid with
brownish tints or pure white with tints of Pinkish Buff (xxix.) becoming darker.
Gills slightly sinuate, moderately close, up to fin. (10 mm.) deep, when young
very pale buff or paler than Wood Brown (xn.) with a slight violet tint, then
Nayal Brown (xxix.), Pinkish Buff to Cinnamon Buff (xxrx.) and Oehraeeous
Buff (XV.) or Oehraeeous Tawny (xv.) or near Antique Brown (III.). Stum
2 to Sin. (5 to 7.5 cm.), moderately slender to stout (4 to Jin., 1.2 to l.S cm.,
thick), base usually bulbous (up to 1 to lliii., 2.5 to 3.7 cm,), fibrillose, solid,
or occasionally hollow, whitish with tints of Pale Bluish Lavender (xxxvi.),.
pallid below, with a broad suboentra] zone of brownish fibrils from the veil. Veil
at first whitish. Flesh slightly lilac tinted in the stem or whitish or faintly buff-
tinted. Smell slight. Spores oblique, one end more pointed, yellow-brown, 11 to
13 x (i to 7.5 /*, occasionally 7.5 to 9 x 4.5 to 5 p. Under bushes. South Aus-
tralia- -Mount Lofty, National Park, Kuitpo. April, June, July.

Dried specimens have a pallid or scorched-looking pileus with bright oehraeeous
tawny gills.

132. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) rotundisporus Clel. et Cheek (L., roiundus,
round; Gr., spora, seed). — Pileus 1 to 12 A in . (2,5 to (i.2 cm.), convex with a trace
of an umbo or even depressed in the centre, slightly viscid when moist, surface
dull, near Honey Yellow (xxx.), Cream Buff (xxx.), Mustard Yellow (xvi.),
Buff Yellow (iv.), Deep Colonial Buff (xxx.) or Isabella Colour (xxx.), streaked
or tinted with Burn Blue (x.x.xiv.), Greenish Glaucous Blue (xui.), Rainier Blue
(Nl.H.) or near Gnaphalium Green (XLVn.). Gills adnate, slightly or deeply
sinuate, or emarginately adnexed, moderately close, ventricose, pallid or sometimes
with a slight violet tint when young, becoming Isabella Colour (xxx.), Tawny
Olive (xxix.), Sayal Brown (xxix.) or Snuff Brown (xxix.). Stem 2 to Jiu.
(5 to 7.5 cm.), slender to rather stout, attenuated upwards, slightly striate, hollow,
rather bulbous below, white or yellowish tinged with the colour of the pileus,
with remains of a superior cobweb veil. Ye.il bluish when young. Flesh yellowish,
sometimes with lilac or violet tints. Spores pear-shaped subspherical, smooth or
slightly rough, (5.5 to 9 or rarely 10.5 x 5.5 to <5.5 /i, (1 to 9 p. South Australia —
Mount Lofty, National Park, Kuitpo. New South Wales. March to August.

133. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) largus Fr. (L., largus, very large). — Pileus
up to 9in. (22.5 cm.), convex, then irregular, then irregularly upturned, viscid
when moist, dark tan, finally becoming scorched brown, very slightly fibrillose
when young, then smooth. Gills deeply simtatoly adnexed, close, pallid brownish-
white with a faint violet tinge, soon losing the violet to become pale brown, then
more cinnamon, finally dark reddish-brown. Stem 31 in. (8.7 cm.), llin. (3.7 cm.),
broad above, at first very stout with non-mar ginate bulb of 2in. (5 cm.), when
adult the bulb not noticeable, root conical, solid, white tinged with the brown
spores. Tough. Flesh white, Ilia. (3.7 cm.) thick. No smell. Spores oblique,
one end pointed, yellow-brown, 19.4 to 12 x 5 g. Caespitose on the ground. South
Australia — Mount Lofty. April.

134. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium ?) lilacino-fulvus Clel. (L., Ulacinus, lilac
coloured; fulvux, tawny — in reference to the tawny coloured stem with traces of
lilac). — Pileus 21 to 3fin. ((5.2 to 8.7 cm.), irregularly convex, centre sometimes
depressed and sometimes a depression round the edge, finally somewhat upturned,

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

107

very viscid when moist, subfibril lose, Clay Colour (xxix.), paler in places ami
(lark brown in others, occasionally near Yellow Ochre (xv.), often paler round
the edge. Gills a dilate or sinuate, moderately close, somewhat ventrieose, pallid
brown then dark brown, near Tawny Olive (xxix.). Stem 2 to .34 in. (5 to 6.2
cm.), slender or stout, up to fin. (1.8 cm.) thick, equal or slightly attenuated
upwards or downwards, iibrillose, sometimes slightly , hollow, base a little bulbous,
near Ochraceous Tawny (xv. ), with a trace of lilac above. Flesh tliiekish over
the disc, thin externally, slightly brown with a slight lilac tint', becoming semi-
translucent. Spores oblique, the ends not pointed, !) to 11 x 5.5 to 7.5 g. Under
trees. South Australia — Stirling West) Mount Lofty. July.

This species may perhaps belong to the subgenus My.rainiriiim.

135. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) vinaceo-lamellatus Clel. (L., vinaccus, wine
coloured; lamellatux, possessing thin plates, here the gills). — Pilous about 2iu.
(5 cm.), at first deeply convex (almost conico-convex), then convex and usually
with an umlm, finally somewhat irregularly convex, slightly viscid, edge int'urned
when young, matt-librillose continuous with the marked almost membranous pallid
whitish cob-web veil which breaks to form an obvious very superior ring, Cinna-
mon Buff to Sayal Brown (xxix.). Gills sinuate with a decurrent tooth,
moderately close, 5 mm. deep, Yinaccous Drab (xi.v.). Stem up to Sin, (7.5 cm.),
stout (1 to 1.5 cm.), base bulbous (1 to 1 ! in., 2.5 to 8.2 cm.), attenuated upwards,
not viscid, silky-fibrillose with more superficial darker cobweb fibrils of the veil,
solid, with white rooting mycelial threads at the base, pallid with brownish tints.
Flesh pallid with a slight violaceous tint in the stem and yellowish at its base.
Spores very oblique, rather dull brown, 9 to 11 x 4.5 to 5 g. Under bushes.
South Australia — Mount Lofty. June.

The plants have a superficial resemblance to a mushroom.

136. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) castaneo-fulvus Clel. (L., cos! anew, per-
taining to a chestnut, here in reference to the colour; fulvus, deep yellow, tawny).
— Pilens 11 to 3iii. (3.7 to 7.5 era.), convex, sometimes deeply and irregularly
convex with a large boss, or gibbous or repand, innately silky iibrillose or
minutely tomentose, substriate, the edge sometimes furrowed or lacerated, dark
brown near Argus Brown (III.), Chestnut Brown (xiv.), Mars Brown (xv.),
Cinnamon Brown (xv.) or Russet (xv.) Gills adnate or slightly sinuate,
moderately close, usually finely serrulate or sometimes crenulate, near Raw Sienna
(ill.), Cinnamon Brown (xv.), or Ochraceous Tawnv (xv.), near Mummy Brown
(xv.) when dry. Stem 11 to 3in. (3.7 to 7.5 cm.), moderately slender to
moderately stout, sometimes flattened above and attenuated below, Iibrillose,
hollow, tinted with yellow and brown, with brownish threads of the veil. Flesh
thin, attenuated outwards, yellowish to pale reddish-brown. Spores elliptical to
subspherical, often appearing slightly rough, yellow brown, 7.5 to 10 x 5.5 to
7 g. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Stirling West, Bel air. June to August.

.In dried specimens, the very dark nearly black pilous and stem contrast with
the Sudan Brown or Brussels Brown (ill.) gills.

137. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) ochra<ceo-fulvus Clel. (L., ochmccns, ochre
coloured; fulvus, tawny — in reference to the colour when dry). — Pileus If to 2Jin.
(4.3 to 6.2 cm.), slightly convex, irregular, subumbonate, finely Iibrillose from
the veil giving the surface a hoary appearance, Tawny Olive (xxix.), Snuff Brown
(x'V.), or Russet and Tawny (xv.) and darker, in places Ochraceous Tawny (xv.).
Gills slightly sinuate, moderately close, slightly ventrieose, Tawny Olive (xxix.).
Stem 21in. (6.2 cm.), nearly equal, I to fin, (6 to 10 mm.) thick, base a little
swollen, Iibrillose, stuffed, brownish. Flesh pallid brownish. Spores oblique,
yellow brown, 9 to 11 x 5 to 6.5 g. South Australia — Stirling West. July.

When dry, the gills are near Ochraceous Tawny (xv.) and Sayal Brown (xxix.),
the cap darker.

138. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) fragilipes Clel. (L., fragilis, fragile; pcs, a
foot). — Pileus 1 to 34 in. (2.5 to 8.7 cm.), at first convex, finally slightly convex,
irregularly plane or even upturned, usually subumbonate, radiately Iibrillose,
slightly sticky when moist, Ochraceous Tawnv, Tawny or Russet (XV. ) to nearly
Auburn (u.) in the centre. Gills adnate with a decurrent tooth, moderately
close, up to 1 cm. deep, passing from Pinkish Buff (xxix.) to Tawny Olive
(xxix.). Stem 3 to Jin. (7.5 to 10 cm.), relatively slender, often flexuous, equal,
brittle, readily compressed, silky fibrillose and marked with dark brown lines
from the veil, slightly hollow, concolorous with the pileus. Veil cob-webby, pallid

108

THE LARGER FUNGI

becoming brownish. Flesh thin, attenuated outwards, slightly tinted. Spores
very oblique with pointed ends, yellow-brown, 9.3 to Id, sometimes to 15.5 x 6 to
7 fi. SubcaeSpitose. Amongst litter under trees. South Australia — 'National

Park, Mount' Lofty, Kuitpo, Second Valley Forest Reserve. March, June to
August.

The whole plant when dried is a rich Tawny (xv.) to Amber Brown (HI.).
Characterised by the oehraceous tawnv to ochraeeous brown pileus, adnate gills
sometimes with a decurrent tooth, long fragile eoncolorous stem and large spores.

139. Cortlnarius (Phlegmacium) sublargus Clel. (L., sublargus, here near to
the species C. largus). — Pileus 3 to 6in. (7.5 to 15 cm.), slightly convex to nearly
plane or with the centre depressed, slightly sticky, subtibrillose, near Ochraeeous
Tawny (xv.), Clay Colour (xxix), Verona Brown (xxix.) in the centre, Warm
Sepia and Bister (xxix.), Sudan Brown (HI.) or Amber Brown (in.). Gills
slightly sinuate or adnato adnexed, moderately close, up to 4in. (1.3 cm.) deep,
near Ochraeeous Tawny, Yellow Oc-hre (xv.) deepening to Argus Brown (in.;.
Buckthorn Brown (xv.), Clay Colour, edges becoming Cinnamon Brown (xv.).
Stem up to 2j to 34in. (5.6 to 8.7 cm.), stout (up to 1 ] in., 3.1 cm. thick),
fibrillose, solid, bulbous with a conical root, more or less ochraeeous tawny or
yellowish. Flesh up to Jin. (2.1 cm.) thick, attenuated outwards, pallid to
yellowish or brownish. Brownish cob-web veil. Spores oblique, yellow brown,
9 x 4.5 to 5.5 occasionally in large specimens 11 to 15 x 5.5 to 6.5 g. South
Australia — Mount Lofty, Eaglo-on-the-Hill , Mylor, Second Valley Forest Reserve,
Bang-ham (S.E.). May, June.

140. Cortinarius (Phlegmacium) radicatus Clel. (L., rcalwatus, rooting). —
Pileus up to 3}in. (8.7 cm.), irregularly convex, usually somewhat gibbous,
expanding with an irregular surface, sometimes depressed in the centre, viscid
when moist, slightly tibrillose-striate near the edge, edge interned when young,
whitish becoming tinted with yellowish cinnamon, when old more yellowish cinna-
mon and becoming scorched-brown. Gills adnate to almost admit o-decuvrent, up
to (in. (6 mm.) deep, rather close, not ventricose, at first white, becoming cinnamon.
Stem 4 to sometimes 1 tin. (1.2 to 3.7 cm.) above the ground, bulbous towards
the base, passing into a deeply buried conical root 2in. (5 cm.) long, stem stout,
} to nearly lin. (1.2 to 2.3 cm.) thick, solid, whitish, when old sometimes with a
suspicion of lilac. Flesh white with sometimes a suspicion of a lilac tint,
attenuated outwards. Veil whitish with an indefinite arachnoid ring. No smell.
Spores obliquely elliptical, yellow brown, 9 to 13 x 5.5 to 7 /*. Half-buried in
sand often in recently burnt country. South Australia — vVillunga Hill, Upper
Willow Creek (Waitpinga), Mount Compass, Mount Lofty, Kinehina. May to
August.

Characterised by the shortness of the stem above ground, the deep conical
root, the whitish pileus, and the gills at first white becoming cinnamon.

SFBGENFS: 2. MYXAMICIUM Fr.

(Gr., wyxa, mucus.)

“General veil glutinous. Stem viscid. Pileus slightly fleshy.”- — Rea.

In Sfyaximicimn both the pileus and stem are viscid.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Plants red.

Pileus and stem dragon’s blood-red becoming-

rufous. Gills tawny olive. Spores 9.5 x 6.5 g .. 141. Cortinarius (Myxu-

micium) ruber.

I ’hints yellow-brown.

Pileus ochraceous-tawny. Gills pallid cinnamon
becoming tawny olive. Stem stout, spores 13

to 1.5 i 7,5 fi 142. C. (hi/.) si /-bar-

vinaceus.

Pileus yellow ochre. Gills Sudan brown. Stem

somewhat bulbous. Spores 8.5 x 4 g 143. C. (M.) ochnlpeus.

Pileus mustard yellow round the edge. Gills
buckthorn brown. Stem sub-bulbous, yellowish.

Spores 7.5 x 4 g 144. C. (M.) sinapicolnr.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

10 !)

Plant's with violet or lilac tints.

Pilous large up to fun., violet becoming brown.

Gills earthy with a violet tint becoming brown.

Stem pallid with a violet tint. Spores 12 to

14.5 x 7 to 7.5 /i 145. C. (M.) Aroheri.

Pilous large up to 34in., violet becoming brownish.

Gills pinkish cinnamon and violet tinted. Stem

violet. Spores 11 to 1(1 x 4.5 to 5.5 p 146. C. (M.) mbareheri.

Pilous usually under 2in., violet brown. Gills sub-
sinuate to adnoxed, violet brown. Stem pallid
to pale violet. Spores nearly subspherical, 5.5

to 8.4 x 4,5 to 5 ii 147. C. (M.J inicroarchuri.

Pilous to 2iin., whitish to light buff. Gills sinuately
adnoxed, ochraceous buff. Stem white with trace

of violet. Spores 9.5 to 11 x 6 fi 148. C. (M.) albidus.

141. Cortinarius (Myxamicium) ruber Clel. (L., ruber, red). — Pilous and
stem viscid. Pileus up to Sin. (5 cm.), convex, then irregularly wavy and convex,
subgibbous, near Dragon’s Blood Reel (xni.) passing into Rufous (xiv.). Gills
slightly sinuately adnexed, moderately close, a little ventrieose, Tawny Olive
(xxix.). Stem up to 1 tin. (3.7 cm.), viscid, rather short and stout', bulbous,
np to 7 in . (17 mm.) thick below and -tin. (1.25 cm.) above, solid or somewhat
hollow, the colour of the pileus below the remains of tha veil, above this whitish
and slightly striate, with some yellowish mycelium at' the base and whitish rooting
mycelial strands below. Cob-webby veil yellowish-red or red, glutinous. Flesh
of the pileus white, moderately thick over the stem, thinning outwards, flesh of
the stem discoloured. Spores 9.5 x 6.5 /r. South Australia — Kineliina, Btelair.
July. (Figure 18.)

[From wntrrcohiyuiV by Miss J. Buxton.

Figure 18 . — Cortinarius (Myxatnicium) ruber Clel. (No. 141). Kinchina. Reduced |

110

THE LARGER FI' NOT

142. Cortinarius (Myxamieium) subarvinaceus Old. ( Subarvinaccu .s, here near
to tli© species C. (M.) arvinaeeu* Pr.), — Pileus and stem viscid. Pileus 1} to
3 .Jin. (4.(i to 8.7 cm.), convex, sometimes repand, finally irregularly upturned,
edge a little turned in, sometimes suhstriate round the edge, very viscid,
Oclmiceous Tawny (xv.) becoming much darker and shining in the centre. Gills
adnate or subsimmte, moderately close, slightly ventrieose, pallid greyish^ cinna-
mon then Tawny Olive (xxix.) and darker. Stem 14 to Sin. (3.7 to 7.5 cm.),
stout, up to |iu. (17 mm.) thick, equal, mealy, fibrillose, base viscid, pallid
whitish becoming brownish. Flesh slightly brownish, when old becoming semi
translucent, thick over the disc, thin externally, cuticle thick and dark brown.
Spore mass near Tawny Olive (xxix.), spores oblique with pointed ends, 13 to
15 x 7.5 JX. Under trees. South Australia — Stirling West. July.

143. Cortinarius (Myxamieium) oehraceus Clel. (L., oehraceus, ochre coloured).
— Pileus and stem very viscid. Pileus up to 2in. (5 cm.), convex, repand, finally
irregularly upturned, Yellow Ochre (xv.), centre darker. Gills adnate, close,

[From iv a I er colour by Miss R. 0. Five ash .

Figure 19. — Go rt inarm- 8 ( M yxiniuieiu-m) oehraceus Clel. (No. 143).
Mount Lofty.

jin. (0 mm.) deep, near Sudan Brown (m.). Stem Sin. (5 cm.), gin. (10 nun.)
thick, somewhat bulbous below, then equal, striate above, pallid becoming yellowish
brown. Flesh soapy-looliing, thiek over the disc, rapidly attenuated outwards.
Spores yellow brown, 8.5 x 4 /i. On the ground amongst' leaves under trees.
South Australia — Mount Lofty, duly. (Figure 19.)

144. Cortinarius (Myxamieium) sinapicolor Clel. (L., x wnnpc, mustard seed;
color, colour).— Pileus 2 to Jin. (5 to 7.5 cm.), slightly convex, subumbonato,
edge sometimes wavy, very glutinous, Mustard Yellow (xvr.) round the edge
passing into Amber Brown (m.) in the centre. Gills sinuately adnexed,
moderately close, over {in. (7 mm.) deep, near Buckthorn Brown (xv.). Stem
2.1 in. (6.2 cm.), moderately stout (nearly 4in., 1 cm.), fibrilloso above, tinted
yellow, base a little bulbous with white mycelial threads. Veil pale yellowish.
Flesh attenuated outwards, turning slightly watery -yellowish in the stem. Spores
elliptical, oblique, slightly rough, 7.5 x 4 jtt. South Australia— National Park.
,J uue.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Ill

145. Cortinarius (Myxamicium) Archeri Berk. (After William Archer,
1820-1874, the botanist, Secretary of the Royal Society of Tasmania, to whom
with Gunn Hooker dedicated his ‘‘Flora of Tasmania'’). — Pileus 3 to 34in.
(7.5 to 8.7 cm.), deeply convex, then convex, finally often with upturned edges
and irregular or with deep depressions and bosses, very viscid, deep violet
becoming brown (Verona Brown, xxix, to Bistre, xxix., with a violet tint).
Gills slightly sinuate to aduate, moderately close, up to 1 cm. deep, sometimes
with reticulated ridges on the sides, Snuff Brown (xxix.) with a violet cast
especially on the edges. Stem 24 to 34in. (6.2 to 8.7 cm.), stout (f to tin.,
1.8 to 2.5 cm., or more), bulbous at first below, usually slightly attenuated in the
middle, sometimes flattened, striate above, hollow below, Deep Dull Bluish Violet
(xxiv.) below the glutinous subdistant ring, paler lilac above. Flesh thin except
over the disc. Spores oblique, rather dark brown, 11.5 to 13 x 6.5 to 8 p. On
the ground. South Australia — National Park, Mount Lofty. New South Wales.
May to July. (Figure 20.)

[Prom watercolour b/i D.I.G.

Figure 20 . — Cortinariun (Mi/.m-nmcmm) Archeri (Berk.)

(No. 145). Sydney. Veil rupturing and powdered
with the brown spores. Pileus expanding.

146. Cortinarius (Myxamicium) subarclieri Clel, (S-ubarchcri, here near to
the species C. (M.) A roller i ). — Pileus 2 to 3 Jin. (5 to 8.7 cm.), convex, some-
times irregular, viscid, violet becoming pale brownish above or brownish violet
to brown or pallid lavender or pinkish lilac. Gills sinuate, slightly toothed,
moderately close, Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.) tinged with violet or violet becoming
Vinaceous Fawn (XL.) or Apricot Buff (xiv.). Stem J Jin. (3.7 cm.), becoming
more elongated, at first thick (up to l liu., 3.7 cm.), downy fibrillose, violet tinted
or Pale Lobelia Violet (xxxvni.), mycelial mass at the base. Flesh with violet-
lilac tints. Spores yellow-brown, obliquely elliptical, 8.5 to 10.5 x 4.5 to 6.5 /j.
South Australia — Bundaleer State Forest; in Eucah)ptux Baxter i forest, Mount
Burr Forest Reserve, S.E.; Mount Lofty; Kinehina; Willunga Hill; near
Clarendon; WaroOka, March to July.

112

THE LARGER FUNGI

147. Cortinarius (Myxamicium) microarcheri Clel. (Gr., mWros, small; archeri,
in reference to its resemblance to C. Archeri ). — Pileus 1 to 2-Jin. (1.8 to 6.2 cm.),
convex to nearly plane, edge sometimes striate, glutinous, deep violet or violet-
brown drying from the centre to earthy brown or light brown (Amber Brown,
xi..). Gills slightly sinuate to adnexed, moderately close, pallid violet to violet
brown (Buffy Brown, XL, with violaceous tints), then earthy brown (Snuff Brown,
XXIX.). Stem 1} to 2iu. (3.1 to 5 cm.), rather slender, base a little thickened,
fibrillose, slightly hollow or solid, palliil or pale violet. Flesh violet-tinted or
whitish in the pileus. Spores oblique, smooth, approaching subspherical, 5.5 to
8.4, x 4.5 to 5 y. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Kagie-on-the-Hill. June.

148. Cortinarius (Myxamicium) albidus Clel. (L., albidus, whitish). — Pilous
14 to 2 Jin. (3.7 to 6.2 cm.), convex becoming plane, subumbonate, glutinous,
smooth, edge subfibrillose when old, white with occasional tints of Light Buff
(xv.), when old near Light Buff. Gills sinuately adnexed, ventricose, 9 mm. deep,
moderately close, Light Ochraeeous Buff (xv.) t'o near Ochraceous Buff (XV.).
Stem 2 Jin. (6.2 cm.), moderately stout (Ain., 1.2 cm., thick), equal or slightly
bulbous below, sticky, fibrillose, white with a very faint tint of violet. Flesh thin,
attenuated outwards, white with a very faint tint of violet. Veil brownish. Smell
of curry powder when dry. Spores oblique, yellow brown, 9.5 to 13, usually 11
x 6 y. South Australia — National Park. June.

SUBGENUS: 3. INOLOMA Fr.

(Gr., is, inios, a fibre; lorma, a fringe.)

“Pileus equally fleshy, dry, at first floecose, fibrillose, velvety, pubescent, or
silky, then becoming somewhat smooth. Veil simple." — Rea.

The pileus and stem are neither viscid nor liygrophanous, the flesh is rather
thick, the stem is stout with an enlarged base and tapering upwards, and the
universal veil may lie present or lacking. In some the universal veil persists On
the stem as an adnate sheath or annulus. Kauffman points out that this subgenus
grades into Dermovybe, a stout clavate stem and scaly pileus indicating at one
end an Inoloma, and small size with thin flesh and a more slender and equal
stem a Vermocybe.

149. Cortinarius (Inoloma) areolato-imhricatus Clel. (L., areola, a small open
space; iflnbrioatus, overlapping). — Pileus 3 to 6in. (7.5 to 15 cm.) or more, rather
deeply convex, slightly irregular, centre occasionally depressed, sometimes
somewhat deformed from mutual pressure, dry, tending to break up into
pallid rather fibrillose scales, rather areoiate in the centre and becoming imbricate
towards the periphery, Ochraceous Buff (xv.) to Cinnamon Buff (xxix.), the
scales paler near Pinkish Buff (xxrx.) to pallid. Gills adnate to adnexed, almost
sinuate in some large specimens, rather close, up to 1 cm. deep, slightly attenuated
botli ways, Ochraceous Buff (xv.) to Cinnamon Buff (xxix.) and Ochraceous
Tawny (xv.). Stem 2ii to 2Ain. (5.6 to 6.2 cm.), thick (t to lAin., 1.8 to
3.7 cm.), nearly equal or slightly swollen in the middle, attenuated at: the base,
fibrillose, paler than Warm Buff (xv.), browner below. Flesh firm, up to lin,
(2.5 cm.) thick in the centre, attenuated outwards, white. Veil cob-wcbby,
whitish. Spores oblique, one end more pointed, yellowish-brown, 9 x 4.5 y..
Densely caespitose in a large imperfect ring. South Australia — Willunga Hill.
May.

There is doubt as to whether this species is correctly placed in the subgenus
Inoloma, in which the stem should be attenuated upwards not towards the base.

SUBGENUS: 4. DERMOCYBE Fr.

(Gr., derma, skin; Tcybe, the head.)

“Pileus thinly and equally fleshy, dry, not liygrophanous, at first silky with
subinnate villose down, then smooth. Veil simple." — Rea.

The pileus and stem are neither viscid nor liygrophanous and the flesh is thin.
The plants are small to medium-sized with rather slender stems and lack distinct
scales on the pileus.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

113

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Whole plant near dark blood red, medium sized.

Spores 6.5 to 9.5 x 4.S to 7.2 p 150. CortiiuniM ( Derma-

eybe) saiigwineus.

l’ileus large, dark green. Gills yellow at first. Stem

yellowish. Spores 8 to 13 x 5 to 6.5 g 151. C. ( D.) austro-

venetiut.

Pileus large, dark brown. Gills when young yellowish

becoming buckthorn brown. Stem yellowish. Spores

9 to 11 x 5 to 7,5 y 152. C. ( D.) S'ub-

ciima/inowus.

150. Cortinarius (Dermocybe) sanguineus (Waif.) Fr. (L., sangudneus.
bloody)! — Pileus up to l]in. (B cm.) or more, broadly conical to conico-convex,
then convex, obtuse or gibbous, innately fibrillose, the edge sometimes slightly
sulcate, or silky shining to coarsely rugose, dark blood red (browner than
Morocco Red, i.j near Morocco Red with the centre Cflaret Brown, i. ; or near
Brazil Red, i.). Gills adnate to adnato-adnexed, or slightly sinuate, moderately
close to crowded, dark red becoming rusty red (near Burnt Sienna, u., becoming
Sanford’s Brown, ii., or near Morocco Red or Brazil Red). Stem 2 to 34in.
(5 to 8.7 cm.), moderately stout to rather slender, swollen below or nearly equal,
fibrillose, slightly hollow, blood red (near Burnt Sienna, tinged with Morocco
Red), paler above. Veil fugacious, arachnoid, reddish. Flesh thiekish below the
umbo, thin externally, pallid reddish or slightly yellowish red, not exuding a
juice when pressed. Spores elliptical, pear-shaped or rather rotund, oblique,
sometimes slightly rough yellow brown, 6.5 to 9.5 x 4.8 to 7.2 y. South Aus-
tralia — Mount Lofty, National Park. June to August.

Our plants seem to differ from British ones in the pileus not being shaggy or
squamulose, in the base being sometimes rather swollen and in having no
appreciable juice.

151. Cortinarius (Dermocybe) austro-venetus Clel. (L., cluster , the south part
of the world, but here in reference to Australia; vemlus, sea-coloured). — Pileus
up to Bin. (7.5 cm.), convex, then nearly plane, more or less gibbous, with subin-
nate villous down, dark green (near Olive Citrine, xVi., near Yellow Ochre, xv.),
darker in the centre (Light Brownish Olive, xxx.). Gills adnate to slightly
sinuate, moderately close, Olive Ochre (xxx.), near Yellow Ochre (xv.). Stem
tip to Bin. (7.5 cm.), rather stout (up to liu., 1.2 cm., below) to Blender, slightly
attenuated upwards, fibrillose, hollow, pallid tinged with the colour of the gills.
Flesh thick over the disc, very attenuated towards the edge. Veil fugacious.
Spores oblique, dull brown, 9.5 to 13 x 5.5 to 6.5, sometimes 8 x 5 p. South
Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park, Kuitpo. June to August.

152. Cortinarius (Dermocybe) subcinnamoneus Clel. ( Siibpinnamnncus , here
near to the species C. cimuimoneus (L.) Fr.). — Pileus up to 2lin. (6.2 era.),
convex, gibbous, then expanding, sometimes slightly upturned and wavy, some-
times irregularly plane, minutely fibrillose or subsquamulose, near Snuff Brown
(xxix.) passing into Bister (XXIX.) in the centre, near Sudan Brown (in.),
Argus Brown (in.) or Hazel (xiv.), later Burnt Umber (xxvin.) becoming nearly
black in tlie centre, Saceardo 's Umber (xxix.) when young. Gills sinuate to
arlnexed, moderately close, fin. (10 mm.) deep, when young Mustard (xvi.)
becoming near Buckthorn Brown (XV.), or Sulphiue Yellow (lV.) in single
lamellae to Aniline Yellow (IV.) in masses, or Olive Ochre (xxx.). Stem up to
Bin. (7.5 cm.), slender or stout (.{ to Jin., 6 to 18 ram.), slightly bulbous or
slightly attenuated downwards, somewhat fibrillose and striate, markedly hollow,
with tints of Naples Yellow (xvi.) or pallid with brown tint's. Flesh yellowish,
heaped up under the umbo, gradually attenuated outwards. Cobweb veil pale
yellowish. Spores irregularly elliptical or oblique, with one end more pointed,
slightly rough, yellowish brown, 9 to II x 5 to 7.5 y. Gregarious. South
Australia — Mount Lofty. June.

The whole plant becomes a very dark brown when dried. The species seems
closely allied to the European C. c-iimumoneus (L.) Fr., differing in a darker
pileus, in the gills being usually definitely 1 hough often slightly sinuate and in
the decidedly larger spores (C. einnamoneus in Rea’s British Bnsidiomycetes,
6 to 8 x 4 to 5 |u).

114

THE LARGER FUNGI

SUBGENUS: 5. TELAMONIA Fr.

(Gr., telamon , a broad linen bandage.)

‘‘Piieus thinly fleshy or abruptly thin at the margin, moist, hygrophanous,
smooth or sprinkled with superficial whitish fibres of the veil. Stem cortinate
and annulate and hence the veil is somewhat double.” — Rea.

The piieus is hygrophanous, changing in colour as its moisture is lost, thus
differing from Inoloma and Dcrmoeybc, The universal thin slightly membranous
veil extends in the young plant from the base of the stem over the marginal
part of the piieus and, on rupturing, may leave portion adhering as a sheath on
the stem (stem peronate), or remnants may remain on the stem, or fragments
may be left on the margin of the piieus.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I ’ileus reddish brown, reddish cinnamon, russet, etc.,

when moist', submembranaceous.

Stem attenuated downwards.

Edge of piieus striate when moist. Edges of
gills whitish and finely serrate. Spores 7.5

x 4 ,u 153. Cortinarius (Tela-

monia) si rial ulus.

Piieus not striate. Edges of gills not whitish
and not serrate. Stem white. Spores 7.5

to 8.5 x 4.2 g 154. C. (T.) rusiseo-

cinnamonciis.

Stem not attenuated downwards.

Piieus more or less hoary from whitish fibrils.

Gills oehracoous tawny. Stem Whitish.

Caespitose. Spores 9 x 4.5 ft 155. C. (T.) fibrillosus.

Vinaeeous or purplish tints present.

Piieus vinaeeous drab brown. Gills and stem
purplish brown. Spores 9 x 7.5, 7.5 x (i .. 156. C. (T.) riikieeo-

rin.ereus.

153. Cortinarius (Telamonia) striatulus del . (L., slruttuln is, diminutive of

sti-iate). — Piieus up to tin. (2.5 cm.), somewhat convex to nearly plane, more
or less gibbous, wavy on the margin, sometimes slightly repand, very finely
fibrillose, submembranaceous, when moist striate at the periphery and between
Russet' and Cinnamon Brown (xv.) with a pale ring round the edge, when dry
paler than Cinnamon Buff (xxix.), Gills sinuate, moderately close, slightly yeu-
tricose, near Sayal Brown (xxix.) with narrow finely serrate whitish edges.
Stem 2in. (5 cm.), moderately slender, a little flexuous, sometimes flattened,
attenuated at the base and sometimes at the apex as well, fibrillose, markedly
hollow, pallid with a brownish tint above. Flesh pallid with a slight reddish-
brown tint. Spores yellow-brown, oblique, 7.5 x 4 g. Snbcaespitose amongst
shrubs under Eucalvpts. South Australia — Mount Lofty. July.

154. Cortinarius (Telamonia) russeo-cinnanioneus Clel. (L., russeus, of a flesh
or carnation colour, russet'; ciinuuiioiirii. s, cinnamon coloured). — Piieus J to 14in.
(1.8 to 3.7 cm.), irregularly convex, then more expanded, edge wavy, sometimes
repand, more or less gibbous, very finely fibrillose, submembranaceous, edge
slightly inturned when young, when moist Russet (xv.) or Mikado Brown
(xxix.), drying to Cinnamon Buff or Clay Colour (xxix.). Gills adnato-simmte
with a slight deeurrent tooth, moderately close, veut'ricose, tawny cinnamon, edges
not pallid or serrate. Stem 14 to 24in. (3.7 to 6.2 cm.), moderately slender,
attenuated at the base, sometimes flexuous, finely silky-fibrillose, solid then
hollow, white. Flesh of stem pallid reddish-brown. Veil when very young as
delicate white fibrils covering the globose piieus and descending to clothe the
stem. Spores yellowish brown, 7.5 to 8,5 x 4.2 y. Snbcaespitose under Eucalvpts.
South Australia — Belair. July.

155. Cortinarius (Telamonia) fibrillosus Clel. (L., fibrillosus, possessing fibrils).
— Piieus J to Hin. (1.2 to 3.7 cm.), convex becoming irregularly plane, usually
gibbous, sometimes slightly dimpled, hoary from whitish mealy fibrils sometimes
forming a white edge to the piieus, moist-looking, more or less hygrophanous,
near Chestnut Brown (xiv.) and Vandyke Brown (xxvm.), near Tawny (XV.)

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

115

to Russet (xv.), darker than Hazel (xiv.), drying between Cinnamon and Cinna-
mon Buff or darker than Qchraceous Tawny (xv.). Gills adnate to adnexed with
a slight decurrent tooth, moderately close, slightly veutrieose, edges sometimes
whitish, Oehraceous Tawny (xv.) to Cinnamon Brown (XV.), near Hazel (xiv.).
Stem 1 to If in. (2.5 to 4.3 cm.), rather slender, fibrillose, solid or slightly hollow,
whitish from remains of the veil, pallid brownish beneath. Veil whitish clothing
the lower part of the stem and sometimes leaving a white edge round thei pileus.
Flesh thin, slightly brownish. Spores rather narrow, oblique, yellowish brown,
S to 10 x 3.5 to 5.2 p, Caespitose to gregarious, on rather bare sandy loam or
amongst moss. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Stirling West, Belair. April
June to August.

This is a small gregarious to caespitose species with a somewhat hygroplianous
chestnut brown to tawny or russet pileus, sometimes showing fibrillae or a bloom
from remains of the whitish veil, with adnate to adnexed oehraceous tawny to
cinnamon gills, and with a stem which is whitish from remains of the veil. The
spores are rafter narrow.

The following seems to be a larger form of this species. Tts description indi-
cates the variability in many species of Agarics. — Pileus up to lfin. (4.3 cm.),
convex, usually broadly gibbous with a slight depression round the umbo, rather
moist-looking',' slightly hygroplianous, slightly silky-fibriilose, near Dresden Brown
(xv.) becoming browner than Buff'v Citrine (xvi.), near Tawny Olive (xxix. ).
Gills slightly sinuate, moderately close, fin. (6 mm.) deep, near Dresden Brown
(xv.), browner than Sudan Brown (hi.). Stem 2in. (5 cm.), rather slender,
equal, fibrillose, hollow, pallid with a slight tinge of Dresden brown to whitish.
Veil whitish. Flesh very thin, attenuated outwards. Spores elliptical, oblique,
yellow-brown, 7.5 to 11 x 5.5 p. Caespitose. South Australia — Mount Compass.
May.

When dry the pileus is near Fuscous (xlvi.), the gills near Brussels Brown
(in.) and the stem pale brownish.

156. Cortinarius (Telamonia) vinaceo-cinereus (Clel. (L., mmaceux , wine
coloured; cinereus, gray). — Pileus lin. (2.5 cm.), at first globose, then irregularly
convex, minutely fibrillose, slightly rugose, vinaceous drab brown with a paler rim,
drying pallid brownish. Gills adnate, slightly veutrieose, moderately close, Purple
Drab (xlV.) becoming Bay (n.). Stem up to lin. (2.5 cm.), slightly tiexuous,
moderately slender, fibrillose, colour of the gills then pallid. Universal veil with
outer fibres brownish and covering the pileus when young with fine fibres, inner
fibres pallid. Spores dull-brown, nearly subspherieal with one end rounded, the
other more acute, 9 x 7.5, 7.5 x 6 y. Single. Belair, July.

SUBGENUS: 6. HYGROCYBE Fr.

(Gr., liygros, moist; hybe, a head.)

“Pileus thinly fleshy, rarely compact, moist, hygroplianous, smooth or covered
only with white superficial fibrils. Stem not sheathed, . ortina rarely forming an
arachnoid ring. ” — Rea.

The flesh is quite thin. The absence of a universal veil separates the subgenus
from Telamonia. In one section with thicker caps, the margin of the pileus is
incurved; in the other the species are smaller and more slender with a straight
submembranaeeous pileus as in Galcra.

No South Australian species yet recorded.

2. Veil concrete with the epidermis of the pileus.

Spores oehraceous or ferruginous, elliptical, smooth.

INOCYBE Fr.

(Gr., is, a fibre; hybe, the head.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Veil marginal, fugacious. Stem fleshy, central. Gills
adnate, sinuato-adnate or adnexed. Spores oehraceous, ferruginous, olivaceous
or fuscous; elliptical, elliptic-oblong, pip-shaped or subreniform ; smooth.
Cystidia present or absent; ventricosc, elavate, fusiform or cylindrical. Growing
on the ground. ’’ — Rea.

116

THE LARGER FUNGI

The chief features of the genus consist in the pileus, at first conical or
campanulate, being innately silky, tibrillose or fibrillose-scaly, the cuticle con-
tinuous to the stem as a more or loss evanescent - fibrillose eortina, the gills and
spores pallid dull brown, the smooth spores and the frequent presence of
cystidia on the gills. The fungi are relatively small and terrestrial. Only a
few species of Inocybe and of the allied Astrosporina with angular spores are
known from South Australia. Though never abundant, individuals are not
uncommon on the Mount Lofty Ranges.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Cystidia present.

Stem pallid brownish.

Edges of gills serrate.

Pileus fibrillose, Verona brown to colour
of dead grass. Gills snuff brown to

wood brown. Stem mealy 157. Inocybe serratu.

Edges of gills not serrate.

Pileus convex, fibrillose, tawny olive.

Gills near umber. Stem granular,

rosy above 158. 7. fidvo-olivacea.

Stem bist'er with whitish granules.

Pileus umbonate, fibrillose, snuff brown to

bister. Gills adnate, snuff brown 159. 1. fjranulosipes.

Stem snuff brown to avellaneous, fibrillose to
mealy.

Pileus umbonate, fibrillose to fibrous-scaly,
buckthorn brown to dresden brown. Gills

snuff brown 160. 7. Murmyana.

Cystidia absent.

No South Australian species recorded.

1. Cystidia Present.

*Stem pallid.

157. Inocybe serrat.a del. (L . ser ratios, toothed like a saw). — Pileus tin.
(1.2 cm.), convex, fibrillose, near Verona Brown (xxix.), pallid brown or colour
of dead grass. Gills adnate, edges serrate and sometimes paler, near Snuff
Brown (xxix.) or Wood Brown (xu). Stem f to Ijin. (1.8 to 3 cm.), slender,
mealy, pallid brownish. Spores smooth, oblique, pale yellow-brown, 7.5 to
occasionally 9 x 4.5 to 5 p. Cystidia fusiform or flask-shaped, 27 to 56 x 1 1 to
13 p. The plants are deep brown when dry. Gregarious to subcaespitose with
villous bases. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Upper Tunkalilla Creek. April,
J une.

The species seems closelv related to /. flooculoxa Berk, but differs in the serrate
gills.

158. Inocybe fulvo-olivacea del. (L., fulvus, tawny; oliraccus, olive-coloured).
— Pileus Jin. (1.2 cm.), more or less deeply convex, finely fibrillose, Tawny Olive
(xxix. ). Gills adnate, ascending, moderately close, lighter than Saeeardo’s Umber
(xxix.). Stem lin. (2.5 cm.), slender, granular, slightly hollow, pallid brownish,
often a little rosy above. Spores almost triangular, very oblique, 6.5 to 7 x 4 p.
Cystidia slightly vent'ricose, 45 x 15 p, 65 x 17 p. South Australia — Belaiv.
August.

**Stem coloured.

159. Inocybe grannlosipes del. (L., pmnujosus, granular; pcs, a foot). —
Pileus J to Jin. (1,2 to 1.8 cm.), convex, umbonate, fibrillose, Snuff Broun to
Bister (xxix.). Gills adnate, moderately close, barely ventricose, Snuff Brown,
Stem J to lin. (1.8 to 2.5 cm.), rather slender, stuffed tending to be hollow,
equal, the buried base slightly bulbous, Bister with abundant, whitish mealy to
fibrillose granules giving a greyish cast. Flesh very thin. Spores oblique with
a central gutta, 8.5 x 5 p. Cystidia inflated to narrow fusiform, 45 x 19 p,
50 x 9 p. Gregarious. South Australia — Stirling AVest, Mount Lofty. April, July.

160. Inocybe Murrayana Cl el. ( Mhirrayana , in reference to its occurrence on
the Murray lands near Murray Bridge). — Pileus to jin. (1.6 cm.), conical, then

op SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

117

expanded, more or less umbonate, finely fibrillose or fibrous seal)’, silky-shining,
near Cinnamon Brown (xv.), paler than Buckthorn Brown to near Dresden Brown
(xv.), or near Russet (xv.). Gills adnate to adnexed, moderately close, edges
slightly serrate, Snuff Brown (xxix.) or near Avellaneous (xv.), becoming-
browner. Stem lin. (2.5 cm.), equal, finely striate or fibrillose to mealy, solid,
near Snuff Brown to pallid with brownish tints. Spores oblique, pallid brown.
9 to 11, occasionally 13 x 5.2 to 5.5 g. Oystidia acuminate and swollen at the
bases to yentricose, 85 x 11 g. South Australia — Kinchina. June to August'.

II. No Oystidia.

No South Australian species recorded.

Spores ochraeeous or ferruginous, irregular, angular, ecliinulate or verrucose.

ASTROSPORINA Schroet.

(Gr., aster, a star; spora, seed.)

•‘Pilous fleshy, regular. Veil marginal, fugacious. Stem fleshy, central. Gills
adnate, sinuato-adnate or adnexed. Spores ocliraceous, ferruginous, olivaceous
or fuscous; angular, nodose, verrucose, ecliinulate or irregular in shape. Cvstidia
present or absent; fusiform, yentricose, cylindrical or elevate. Growing on the
ground, rarely caespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

Species of this genus resemble lnocybe, in which they are included by most
authors, save in the spores being angular or warty. They are rather small plants
growing on the ground, gregarious or single.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Oystidia present.

Stem whitish or pallid.

Pileus up to lyin., broadly conical, nearly
smooth, pallid biscuit-coloured. Stem rather

stout 161. Astrosporina

emergens.

Pileus up to Hn., convex to campailulate,

cinnamon brown. Stem lin 162. A. exigua.

Stem coloured.

Pileus ljdn., convex, umbonate, fibrillose.

Gills cinnamon brown. Stem striate . .. 163. A. asterospora.
Oystidia absent.

Stem whitish.

Pileus lin., umbonate, fibrillose, earthy brown.

Gills just free, earthy brown. Spores
9 x 6 n 164. A. discissa.

Stem pallid brownish.

Pileus tin., convex, shaggy, dark earthy

brown. Stem pallid brownish 165. A. imbrveata.

I. Oystidia Present.

*Stem whitish or pallid.

161. Astrosporina emergens Clel. (L., emergens, emerging). — Pileus up to
ll-in. (3 cm.), up to fin. (1.5 cm.) high, irregularly broadly conical, moderately
fibrillose to nearly smooth, pallid biscuit-coloured. Gills' adnate to adnexed,
close, pale brownish. Stem up to lin. (2.5 cm.), moderately stout, base a little
bulbous, pure white, then with a slight brownish tint. No special smell. Spores
angular, pallid brown, 7.5 x 4 g. Oystidia flask-shaped with rough apices, 25 to
37 x 13 /a. Emerging covered witli soil. South Australia — Kinchina. June.

162. Astrosporina exigua Clel. (L„ exignus, little). — Pileus up to iin. (1.2 cm.)
convex to campcmilate, dull, slightly fibrillose, near Cinnamon Brown" (xv.)!
Gills adnate, moderately close, watery cinnamon. Stem Ain. (1.2 cm.), sliehtlv
fibrously streaked, whitish. Spores knobby, 8 to 8.5 x 5 g. A few flask-shaped
cystidia with smooth apices. South Australia — On sandy soil, Hope Valley near
Adelaide. September.

118

THE LARGER FUNGI

**Stom coloured.

163. Astrosporina asterospora (Quel.) Eea (G., aster, a star; spora, seed). —
Pilous 1 ]in. (3.1 cm.), convex with a large conical umbo, fibrillose, somewhat
golden brown. Gills adnexed, nearly free, moderately close, cinnamon brown.
Stem .lfjin. (3.1 cm.), moderately stout, slightly attenuated upwards, striate,
fibrous, solid, pallid-brown. Spores irregularly nodular, 7 p, 8.5 x 7 p. Cystidia
40 x 12 to 14 p. South Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park. April.

British plants from Rea’s description are larger; the gills whitish bistre, then
cinnamon, emarginate and ventricose, the stem reddish, streaked with brown
fibrils, pubescent, with the base marginately bulbous, and the spores 9 to 12 p.

11. No Cystidia.

164. Astrosporina discissa del. (L., ducindo, d'iscissum , to split). — Pileus lin.
(2.5 cm.), convex, mnbonate, markedly flbrillose, splitting, earthy brown. Gills
apparently just free, ventricose, earthy brown. Stem lin. (2.5 cm.), rather
slender, slightly pruinose above when young, then smooth, equal, base slightly
swollen, whitish or pallid brownish. Seminal smell. Spores knobby, brown,
9 x 6 p. South Australia — Upper Tunkalilla Creek. June.

165. Astrosporina imbricata Clel. (L., imbrioafus, laid one under another like
tiles). — Pileus up to fin. (16 mm.), convex or slightly eouico-eainpanulate, shaggy
from imbricate adpressed fibrils, dark earthy brown. Gills adnato, then seceding,
moderately close, slightly ventricose, dark brown. Stem fin. (16 mm.),
moderately slender, equal, stuffed, fibrillose, pallid brownish. Flesh of pileus
pallid, of stem brownish. Spores angular, 9 to 11 x 5.5 p. Large inflated jointed
hyphne present. On ground. South Australia — Kiuchina. June.

***Gills sinuate.

HEEELOMA Fr.

(Or., hebr, youth; Idnm, a fringe.)

“Pilous fleshy, regular, margin incurved. Stem central, fibrous or fleshy.
Gills sinuate, sinuato-adnexod or adnexed. Spores ochraceous, ferruginous or
fuscous; elliptical, pip-shaped, pruniform, almond-shaped, elliptic oblong or fusi
form; smooth, continuous. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on the ground;
solitary, caespitose or subcaespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

The genus is characterised by the brown spores (alut.aceous, rarely ferruginous),
the flesh of the stem continuous with and similar to that of the pileus and the
baying of the gills at their attachment. Flam, mala differs in the gills being adnate
or subdecurrent and the spores ochraceous or ferruginous. In Cortinarim there
is a spider-web-like general veil, and in Inocybe and Astrosporina a general veil
leaves a silky-fibrillose covering on the pileus.

The genus does not seem common in South Australia and few species have
been recognised. For 40 years, however, an evidently introduced species,
If. Mem kde, lias occurred in t'roups under Finns and other exotic trees.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Cortina present when young.

Pileus 1 to 24in., conical when young, edge pale
buff, disc date brown. Gills pallid, then sayal

brown. Spores 9 to 10 x 5 p 166. Hrbehrma

mcsophaeuin.

Similar but smaller, pileus to lin. Spates 8 to 11

x 4.8 to 6.5 p 167. H. mssophaeum var.

minus.

Cortina absent.

Pileus 2 to 3in., not umbonate, periphery pale buff
to whitish, disc sayal brown, cinnamon buff, etc.,
intermediate zone as if seen through a whitish
film. Gills pallid becoming buckthorn brown.

Stem white. Spores 10 t'o 13 x 5.5 to 7 p . . 168. 7J. hiemale.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

119

Pilous to 33 m., fibrillose-matt, yellowish brown.

Gills actuate with a slight sulcus, close, yellowish-
brown. Stem stout, whitish. Spores 9 x 4.5 y

In sand 169. 77. himellu-oufcrtum.

I. “Furnished with a eortina from the manifest veil, by which the pileus is
often superficially silky round the margin.’’ — Rea,

166. Hebeloma mesophaeum Fr. (Gr., mesas, middle; phaion, dusky). — Pileus
1 to lUn. (2.5 to 3.7 cm.), slightly convex, subunibonate, surface matt to sub
fibrillose, when moist slightly sticky, near Hayal Brown (x.xix.), when dry
Cinnamon Buff (xxix.), edge pale buff, when young with a thin upturned paler
rim and fibrillose remains of the veil. Gills almost adnate to sinuately adnexed.
sometimes with a decurrent tooth, moderately close, slightly ventrieose, edges
minutely serrate, at first pallid greyish buff or pallid cinnamon buff, becoming
near Sayal Brown (xxix.) and Snuff Brown (xxix.). Stem ,ljin. (3.7 cm.).

[From watercolour by Miss ,7. Buxton..

Figure 21. — Tlrbcl/nna mesophficuM Fr. (No. 166). Under Firms, Caroline
State Forest, Mount Gambier.

slender to moderately stout, equal or attenuated downwards, fibrillose, brittle,
slightly hollow, flesh like that of the pilous or slightly different, pallid with a
Imffy brownish tint. Spores obliquely elliptical, dull brown, 9 to 10 x 5 to 5.5 y.
On the ground under Pi mux radiata Don. (F. i'lixignis Dough). South Australia — -
Mount Burr and Caroline State Forests (S.E.). May. (Figure 21.)

167. Hebeloma mesophaeum Fr. var. minus Cke. (L., minus, smaller). Pileus

up to lin. (2.5 cm.), convex, umbonate, then nearly plane, somewhat subconical
when young with the edge turned in and sometimes with a distinct flimsv ceil
or a few cobweb like fibrils on the stem, viscid when moist, surface matt, round
the edge near Drab (xi.vi.), paler still at the periphery, in the centre darker
near Hair Brown (XLVl.) or in old specimens very dark near Ohnetura Brown
(xlvi.). Gills sinuate, moderately close, pallid and nearly white, then dingy
pale watery brownish. Stem 1 | to 2in. (3.1 to 5 cm.),' moderately slender,
slightly mealy or fibrillose, slightly hollow, whitish. No appreciable" taste or
smell. Spores oblique, dull brown, S to 11 x 4.8 to 6.5 y. No evstidia seen.
On the ground under Pinus. South Australia — Hindmnrsh Square' (Adelaide),
Mount Lofty. .Tunc to August. New South Wales — Mount Wilson.

120

THE LARGER FUNGI

II. “Pileus smooth, at the first with no eortina, — Rea.

168. Hebeloma hiemale Bros. (L., hiermlis, of winter). — Pileus 2 t'o 3in.

(5 to 7.5 cm.), irregular, convex, then nearly plane, not. umbonate, often much
lobed, edge inturned when young, often upturned when old, viscid when moist,
often shiny when dry, Say.nl Brown, Tawny Olive, paler than Cinnamon, Light
Pinkish Cinnamon, Cinnamon Buff (all xxix.), or Light Ochraeeous Buff (xv.)
in the centre, passing through a stage where the tints appear as if seen through
a whitish film to Pinkish Buff (Xxix.), Light Buff (xv.), Pale Ochraeeous Buff
(x'v.), or whitish at the periphery. Gills slightly sinuately adnexed to adnate,
moderately close, edges finely serrate, pallid then near Pinkish Buff (xxix.), pale
Snuff Brown (xxix.), Buckthorn Brown (xv.) or near Sayal Brown (xxix.).
stem 14 to 2-Jin. (11.7 to 6.2 cm.), usually stout, sometimes slender, somewhat
fibrillose, mealy above, with pith or hollow, white. Without a eortina. Flesh
watery white. No appreciable taste or smell. Spores microscopically dull brown,
very oblique, one end finely pointed, granular, 10 to 12. S, occasionally 13 to
15 x 5.5 to 7 g. Subcaespitosc in large clumps under Finns radiuta Don.
( P . insignia llougl.) and other species of Finns, English oak, chestnut, and other
introduced trees. South Australia — Parkside, Glen Osmond, Beaumont, National
Park, Mount Burr State Forest, Mount Gambier. Victoria — Craigie (near

Ararat). April to August.

This is a common species in the National Park and near Adelaide where intro-
duced trees, especially species of Finns, have been planted. The gills in the
voting State are very pale and as the cap has a superficial resemblance to some
forms of edible mushrooms, specimens have been gathered by the inexperienced
in mistake for the latter. The species closely resembles //. mesophaeinn, from
which it differs in the complete absence of a partial veil.

169. Hebeloma lanielliconfertum Clel. (L., lamellae, here the gills; oonferhts,
crowded). — Pileus up to 3Jin. (8.7 cm.), convex, then expanding to nearly plane
or upturned, sometimes a little reparnl, fibrillose-mat't, edge inturned when young,
yellowish-brown. Gills adnate, later leaving a slight sulcus round the stem, close,
pale yellowish-brown, then yellowish-brown. Stem 2 A in . (6.2 cm.), stout (jin.,
2.2 cm.), nearly equal or a little attenuated in the middle, slightly fibrillose.
whitish. Flesh white. No signs of a veil. Spores rather narrow, rather pale
dingy brown, not ferruginous, 9 x 4.5 g. In sand. South Australia — Near
Ashbourne, May.

Characterised by the rather large size, stout build, close gills, general dull
ferruginous brown colour when dry and narrow spores.

****Gills decurrent or adnato-decurrent by a tooth.

FLAMMULA Fr.

(L., flmifnmla, a little flame.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular, viscid or dry. Stem central, fleshy or fibrous. Gills
decurrent or adnate with a decurrent tooth. Spores ochraeeous, ferruginous or
fuscous; elliptical, oblong elliptical, globose or navicular; smooth, punctate or
verrucosc ; continuous or wit'll a germ-pore. Cystidia present, rarely none.
Growing on the ground or on wood; solitary, gregarious, fasciculate or
caespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

The species of Flammnla usually grow on or near wood, though some are purely
terrestrial. The spores are dark brown, rusty brown, or rusty yellow, thus
distinguishing the species from ILcbchnna in which Kauffman says the spores
are alutaceous and never ferruginous. The non-membranous inner veil differen-
tiates them from PholioUi, the fleshy-fibrous stem from Xauoorw and the usual
habitat on wood from Cortmarius. The pileus is often viscid and tinged yellow,
olivaceous! or fuscous. Kauffman points out that the gills are not always adnato-
decurrent but are often adnate or slightly rounded behind and may become
emarginate in age. The spores may be slightly rough when examined with an
oil-immersion lens. Cystidia are often abundant. We probably have a dozen
or more species, the individuals of some of which ( e.g F. calif arnica var.
winnmnis) are often veiy numerous.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

121

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus more or less viscid when moist.

Pileus up to 2in. or more.

On bases of trunks of Eucalpts and amongst
fallen wood. Gills at first with greenish-
yellow tints, later buckthorn brown to
dresden brown. Pileus and stem fibrillose-
scaly. Veil when young. Spores fuscous

ferruginous. Gystidia present. Common . 171.
On the ground.

Pileus becoming lemon-yellow. Gills
pallid becoming earthy brown. Spores
11 to 16.5 x 7.5 to 9 p. 172.

Pileus under 2in.

Amongst charcoal on the ground.

Pileus sudan-brown. Gills pallid brown
then dark brown. Spores 9 x 5.5 p.
Cystidia present' 175.

On the ground.

Pileus reddish tanny brown. Gills pallid
cinnamon, becoming dingy cinnamon.

Stem punctate with dark fibrillose
scales 174.

On fallen bark and rotting wood on the
ground.

Pileus waxy-looking brown, hygrophanous,
white mealy rim. Gills pallid cinnamon
becoming darker. Stem white, mealy . 175.

Pileus dry.

Gills becoming bright tawny.

On fallen logs, etc.

Usually large. Pileus becoming tawny

brown (cinnamon rufous, etc.). Gills
at first yellow, finally rich tawny.
Spores 7.5 to 9.5 x 4 to 6.5 (i . . . . 176.

Similar but usually about 2in. Spores
larger, 9.5 to 15 x 5.5 to 7.5 p . . 177.

Like small F. excentrica with purplish
brown tints on the pileus. Spores
6.5 to 8.5 x 4.5 to 5.2 p 178.

Pileus usually 4 to lin., villous-fibrillose,
buckthorn brown to tawny. Gills
sinuately adnexed, yellow ochre to
tawny. Stem mealy above, fibrillose
below, pallid to ochraceous buff. Spores
7 to 9 x 4.5 to 6 ix 179.

On the ground.

Pileus 2 to 2jin., pileus and gills tawny.

Stem short. Spores 9 to 11.5 x 5.5
to 7.5 p 180.

On the edge of swamps.

Pileus f to ljin., matt to tomentose,

yellowish-brown at periphery, darker
in centre. Gills yellowish-brown, sub-
tawny. Stem short, yellowish-brown.

Spores 9.5 to 11 x 6 to 7.5 p 170.

Gills isabella colour.

Pileus to ljin., villous-fibrillose breaking into
small scales, ochraceous buff to tawny.

Stem ochraceous tawny with sand-encrusted
bulb. Spores 8.5 to 5.6 p 181.

Flammula calif ornica
var. communis.

F. limonia.

F. carbonaria.

F. punctata.

F. cincta.

F. excentrica.

F. excentrica var.
m aerospora.

F. purpurata.

F. eucalyptorum.

F. brevipes.

F. paludosa.

F. a rena r io-bul bom.

122

THE LARGER FUNGI

I. “Veil none; jrileus dry, most frequently squnmulose. Spores usually
ferruginous. ' ’■ — Rea.

170. Flanunula paludosa Clel. (L., pal'udom* irshy). — Pilous J to 1 tin.

(1.8 to 3.1 om.), convex, then nearly plane or a little irregularly depressed or
deeply upturned, edge intlirned when young, matt to totpentose, yellowish-brown
at the periphery, darker brown in the centre, or reddish-tan, Gills adnato or
slightly sinuate, moderately close, ventricose, many short, yellowish-brown
becoming almost tawny. Stem short, 1 to fin: (1.2 to 1.8 cm.), rather slender
to moderately stout, sometimes flattened, equal or attenuated downwards, mealy
To fibrillose, solid or slightly hollow', yellowish-brown becoming much darker
below. No sign of a veil. Spores obliquely pear-shaped, slightly rough, yellowish-
brown, 9,5 to 1 1 x 6 to 7.5 g. On the edge of bogs or on the walls of pockets
of water in swamps. South Australia — Mount Compass. May.

11. “ Fileus covered with a continuous, somewhat separable, smooth viscid
cuticle; cortina manifest, fibrillose. Spores ferruginous or fuscous ferruginous,
not tawny. Gregarious, growing on the ground, rarely on wood. ' ’ — Rea.

171. Flanunula californica Earle var. communis Clel. el (’heel. ( CaHfornicus .
of California; L., communis, common). — When young convex, near Auburn (It.)
with the periphery somewhat yellower, sometimes with remnants of the universal
pale yellow fibrillose veil. When adult, pilous 14 to 2in. (1.8 to 5 cm.), convex,
then flattened or upturned, gibbous, viscid when moist, sometimes slightly fib-
rillose or with a few widely separated scales, near Chestnut (u.) or Auburn (u.),
round the periphery Dresden Brown (xv.), Ochraceous Tawny (xv.) or paler or
darker than Antimony Yellow (.xv.). Gills adnate or slightly (sinuate with a
slight decurrent tooth, moderately close, at first greenish yellow (near Old Gold,
xvi.) becoming Buckthorn Brown to Dresden Brown (xv. ). Stem 1 to 2in.
(2.0 to 5 cm.), slender, slightly attenuated upwards, base a little bulbous, slightly
hollow, fibrous, apex not mealy, clad below' with brownish fibrillose scales probably
remains of the cortina, which sometimes forms an imperfect’ superior ring, with
whitish mycelium at the base or when growing on stringy bark trunks with
numerous coarse, irregular, brownish to whitish rhizomorph strands, near Russet
(xV.), yellowish-brown above. Spores elliptical, microscopically rather a dull
brown, 7.5 to 9.3 x 4.2 to <5.3 g. Cystidia usually numerous, ventricose or flnsk-
xbaped with acuminate apices, 32 to 56 x 10.5 to 13. S g. No taste. Gregarious.
On the ground, usually amongst leaves or fallen pieces of bark and usually at
or near the bases of living or dead Euealypts (.Kamtyplus toblu/m L’Herit. and
K. leucoxylon F. v. M.), occasionally ascending the trunks for a few feet. South
Australia — Mount Lofty, National Park, Kuitpo, Back Valiev off laman Valley.
Bangham (S. Id.) , Kalangadoo (8.E.). New South Wales. April to duly.

172. Flanunula limonia Cke. et Mass. (Modern L., limonius, lemon-coloured). —
Pilous up to Tin. (10 cm.), hemispherical, then gradually expanded, finally with
the edge upturned, viscid when moist, edge sometimes obscurely striate, when
young brownish yellow, then a pale lemon yellow. Gills adnate, rather crowded,
pallid white becoming greyish with a brown tint', finally when old dark greyish
or earthy brown. Stem up to Bin. (7.5 cm.), attenuated slightly downwards,
sometimes shaggy-scaly towards the base, fibrousely rooting below, stuffed or
hollow, whitish or pale yellow. Oecasionalh with fragments of the veil on the
edge of the pilous. Spores elliptical, rather elongated, light brown, 11 to 1(5.5 x
(5.5 to 9 g. In garde'Us, lawns, etc. South Australia — Adelaide district. .June,
duly, September. November.

173. Flanunula carbonaria Fr. ( L„ mrbnnarius, pertaining to charcoal). —
Pilous 1 to Tin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.), at' first deeply convex, then expanding, sometimes
subgibbous, slightly viscid when moist, Sudan Brown (Til.), often darker at the
disc. Gills adnate, then seceding, moderately close, not ventricose, Brnssell's
Brown (tit.), pallid brownish when young. Stem I to 1 | in. (2.5 to 3.1 cm.),
slender, a little flexmms, slightly hollow, pallid flecked wit'll projecting minute
brownish fibrillose scales. Spores elliptical, yellow brown, 6.5 to 9 x 4 to 5.5 g.
Cystidia flask-shaped, 37 x 1 7 g. Gregarious. On the ground amongst charcoal
from burnt Ixiu'tili/ytus logs. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Encounter Bay,
Mount Burr (S.E.). New South Wales. May, June.

This Australian form is much smaller than the British species. It can be
readily recognised by its habitat amongst charcoal.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

123

174. Flammula punctata Clel. (L., puiyctaifus, dotted). — Pileus Jin. (20 mni.),
convex, sometimes subumbonate, viscid when moist, reddish tanny brown. Gills
adnate or emarginato-arinate, rather dose, watery cinnamon becoming dingy
cinnamon. Stem f to lin. (1.8 to 2.5 cm.), slender, solid, pallid flecked with
dark brown scaly fibrils, flesh somewhat cartilaginous differing Slightly from that
of the pileus. Spores obliquely elliptical, pale yellow-brown, 7.5 x 4 /t. Cystidia
not seen. On the ground. South Australia — Back Valley off Inman Valley. May

This is a small species resembling the larger F. California but with the gills
less yellow when young and the stem punctate (hence the specific name) with
dark brown scaly fibrils. In the characters of the flesh of the stem it approaches
the genus Nmicoria,

III. “Cuticle of the pileus continuous, not distinct or separable, smooth (here
and there with a superficial covering), moist or a little viscid in wet weather.
Cortina manifest, appendiculate. Spores not tawny or ochraceons. Caespitose,
growing on wood.” — Rea.

175. Flammula cincta Clel. (L., ciiwtus, girdled). — Pileus I to 1 ^ in. (1.2 to
3.1 cm.), convex, then plane, finally more or less upturned, viscid when moist and
shining wnxv-looking brown, hygrophanous, drying a deep pinkish buff, when
young with the edge inturned and covered with a white meal from the universal
veil which later appears as a white rim to the waxy-brown pileus. Gills adnate
to adnato-deeurrent, rather close, rather narrow, minutely serrate when young,
pallid cinnamon becoming brownish-cinnamon. Stem 1 to ljin. (2.5 to 3.1 cm.),
rather slender, equal or attenuated downwards, base a little bulbous, somewhat
mealy fibrillose, slightly hollow, whitish becoming tinted brown especially below.
When young clothed with a whitish mealy universal veil, giving to the stem a
white mealy appearance. Spores elliptical, rather pale dull brown, 8 to 8.5 x 4.5
to 5 fi. Xo cystidia, seen. On fallen bark and rotting wood on the ground with
white mycelium at the base agglutinating bark, leaves, etc. South Australia —
Back Valley off Inman Valley. May.

Characterised by the hygrophanous waxy-lookiug brown pileus, when young
covered with mealy fragments leaving for a while a mealy rim round the edge of
the pileus, the pallid cinnamon gills becoming darker, the whitish mealy stem
ami the habitat amongst fallen wood. The specific name applies to the whitish
ring round the edge of the pileus, very noticeable at one stage.

I V. “Pileus scarcely pellieulose, flesh scisslle or torn above into scales, not
viscid, at first somewhat hoary. Veil fibrillosely adpressed to the stem, not
furnished with an appendiculate eortlha, almost none or forming an annular zone
on the stem. Gills light yellow or yellow, then tawny. Spores ochraceons nr
tawny. Subeaespitose, always on conifers or on the ground amongst conifer
branches” (in Europe). — Rea.

17(1. Flammula excentrica Clel. et ('heel. (L., excentmciis, exeontrie, in
reference to the stem). — Pileus 1 to 34-in. (2.5 to 8.7 cm.), irregularly convex to
slightly convex, nearly plane or slightly depressed in the centre, nearly smooth
to fibrillosely scaly, villous or flecked with small fibrillose scales, sometimes tending
to crack, sometimes soft and spongy, edge inturned when young, yellowish to
reddish or brownish tawny or dark ferruginous brown (Mustard Yellow, xvi.;
near Ochraceons Tawny, XV. ; near Auburn or Chestnut, It.; Kaiser Brown, xiv. ;
Hazel, xiv.; Chestnut Brown, xiv.; or Cinnamon Rufus, xrv.), sometimes with
traces of purple or greenish-yellow. Gills slightly sinuate to adnate or adnato-
deeurrent, moderately close, ) in. ( (1 mm.) or more deep, sometimes slightly
ventricose, Buff Yellow (tv.), Antimony Yellow (x'v.) to near Ochraceons Buff
(XV.), Ochraceons Orange (xv.), Buckthorn Brown (xv.) or Amber Brown (ui.)
when dry. Stem 1 to 2fin. (1.2 to 6.8 cm.), moderately stout (toi Sin., 10 mm.)
to moderately slender, often somewhat excentric, attenuated downwards to nearly
equal, fibrillose sometimes with whitish bloom at the base, solid or slightly hollow,
tough, pallid vellowisli-brown above to dark tawny-brown below (darker than
Light Orange Yellow, ill.; Tawnv, xv.), occasionally whitish, sometimes with
slight indications of a superior ring when young. Flesh vellowisli-brown, paler to
yellow in the pileus. Spores obliquely elliptical, slightly rough to smooth,
yellowish-brown (tawny), 7.5 to 9.5 x 4 to 6.5 ju. On fallen wood, the undersides
of wet logs, rarely on the trunks of living fiurnlypt'U.s ohliqmt L’Herit. or the

124

THE LARGER FUNGI

stem of tin* grass-tree ( Xanthorrhoua ), occasionally amongst fallen chips on the
ground or on the ground probably near buried wood. South Australia — National
Park, Mount Lofty, Eagle-on-.the-Hill, Mitcham, Upper Tunkalilla Creek, Second
Valley Forest Reserve, Bangham, Mount (lambier. New South Wales. May to
August.

This is a common, rather variable species, recognised by its habitat (nearly
always on fallen logs), by its usually moderate size and in general tawny colour,
the pilous being often librilloselv scaly and the stem fibrillose. It is probably
closely related to F. mpinvtt Fr. and F. purpunita Cke. et Massee.

177. Flammula excentrica var, macrospora Clel. (G., mulcros, long; spom, a
seed ). — Differs from the typical form in the larger spores, 9.5 to 15 x 5.5 to 7.5 g.
I 'ileus about Sin. (5 cm.), convex, smooth or tending to be scaly fibrous, soft,
tawny reddish brown. Gills adnate, same colour. Stem excentric, short, striate-
librillose, reddish-brown. On dead wood. South Australia — Upper Tunkalilla
Greek, Kinchin a, Mount Burr (S.E.). May to July.

17, S. Flammula purpurata Cke. et Mass. (L., pw-pwratm, clad in purple). —
I ’ileus up to Sin. (5 cm.), convex, covered with adpressed somewhat warty fibrils
or matt-tibrillose, the edge inturned, red dish-purplish -brown or purplish-red with
tints of green and yellow. Gills slightly sinuate, deep, moderately close, waxy-
yellow, becoming brownish-cinnamon-yellow. Stem up to Ilia. (3.7 cm.), rather
stout, a little attenuated upwards, somewhat striate or fibrillose, tough, pallid
yellowish-brown above with tints of the pilous below. Spores oblique, yellowish-
brown, 6.5 to S.5 x 4.5 to 5.2 g. Cystidia not seen. On fallen trunks and wood.
South Australia — Port Lincoln and Big Swamp, E.P. May.

Closely related to F. xapiliea Fr. Recognisable by the purplish tints on the
pilous and often on the stem.

179. Flammula eucalyptorum Clel. (L., evcalyptorwm, of Kucalvpts). — Pilous
i to 1 [in. (1.2 to 3 cm.), deeply convex, then more expanded, villosc-fibrillose or
somewhat strig'ose, edge at first inturned, near Buckthorn Brown (xv.), Tawny
(x'v.) with often Ochraceous Buff (xv.) round the edge, or Amber Brown (iu.).
Gills sinuntely adnexed, moderately close, narrow, slightly ventricose, between
Yellow Ochre (xv.) and Ochraceous Tawny (xv.), Ochraceous Buff (xv.), or
between Amber Brown and Sudan Brown (111.) with a tinge of Raw Sienna,
Stem l to 14in. (1.2 to 3.7 cm.), often curved, subtibrillose below, mealy above,
solid or slightly hollow, apparently fleshy or in some collections cartilaginous,
pallid above to yellowish-brown, brownish or Ochraceous Buff (xv.) below.
Flesh yellowish. Spores obliquely elliptical, often slightly rough, yellowish -brown,
7 to 9 x 4.5 to 6 g. Cystidia not seen. On fallen rotting Eucaiypt logs or on
the adjacent ground. South Australia — Kuitpo, Eagle-oa-the-Hill, Mount Lofty,
National Park. May to July. ( Figure 22 A.)

Figure 22. — A. FUimmulti euealyptomm Clel. (No. 179). Mount Lofty.

B. Qalem tenera (Schaeff.) Fr. (No. 187). On horse-dung, KangarlUa.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

125

Characterised by the small size, slender shape, tawny brown pileus, yellow
ochre to ochraceous tawny gills, and pallid to oehraceous buff stem. In the
National Park specimens the stem seemed eatilaginous, which would place the
species under NaMOOria, but the tawny gills and general resemblance to small
forms of F. excentriai seem to show its relationship to this species. It is possible
it may have to be transferred to Nuucarki.

ISO. Flammula brevipes Clel. (L., brevis, short; pen, a foot). — Pileus 2 to
- i in - (5 to 0.7 cm.), irregularly convex, edge repand, surface dull, Ochraceous
Tawny to Tawny (xv.). Gills adnate, moderately close, ventricose, up to Jin.
(10 mm.) deep, Ochraceous Tawny t'o Tawny. Stem very short, Jin. (18 mm.),
striate, with brownish fibrils of the veil, pallid yellowish. Spores oblique,
probably finely rough, yellow-brown, 9 x 5.5 p, occasionally 11.5 x 7.5 p. On the
ground. South Australia — In dry swamp, Lownn Forest near Kalangadoo (S.E.).
May.

A species characterised by the rich tawny colour of the pileus and gills with
a stem that appears unduly short for the size of the pileus. It grows on the
ground.

V. “Furnished with a cortina. Cuticle of the pileus slightly silky, dry or at
first viscid.'’ — Rea.

181. Flammula arenario-bulbosa Clel. (L„ arenarius, sandy; bulbosus,
possessing a bulb). — Pileus up to 1 Aili. (5.7 cm.) or more, convex, villous-
fibrillo.se, tending to break into small scales and crack to expose the yellowish
flesh, Ochraceous Buff to Tawny (xv.). Gills sinuate or slightly so, moderately
close, ventricose, rather deep, Isabella Colour (xxv.). Stem short, liu. (2.5 cm.),
4 mm. thick, tibrillose, slightly hollow, with a sand-encrusted bulb at the base.
Ochraceous Buff and darker. Veil yellowish, clothing the stem and breaking to
form a definite ring when young. Flesh of the stem yellowish, apparently of
the same texture as that of the pileus which is less yellow. Spores elliptical,
vellowish-brown, 8.5 x 5.6 p. South Australia — In sandy soil, Hall’s Creek.
Encounter Bay. May.

(e) Pileus confluent with, but heterogeneous from, the cartilaginous stem.

*Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate.

(Margin of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the gills.

NAUCORIA Fr.

(L., iiaihcum, a flock of wool.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular; margin at first incurved. Stem central, cartilaginous.
Gills adnate, sinuato-adnate or adnexed. Spores ochraceous, ferruginous or
fuscous; elliptical, pip-shaped, almond-shaped or oblong elliptical; smooth,
punctate or verrucose; continuous or with a germ-pore. Cystidia present. Growing
on the ground, more rarely on wood; solitary, gregarious or caespitose. ” — Rea.

This genus corresponds with Collybia in the white-spored section, the stem
being subcartilaginous and the margin of the pileus incurved when young. The
species grow on the ground or on wood and are mostly small. Only a few species
have been recognised in South Australia, one of which, AT horizontalis, grows on
wood and is quite small, the others occurring on the ground.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

On fallen logs, etc.

Pileus j to fin., watery cinnamon. Gills nearly
free. Stem incurved. Spores 7 to 9 x 5 to
6.5 p

Pileus I to lin., villous-fibrillose, buckthorn brown
to tawny. Gills sinuately adnexed, yellow ochre
to tawny. Stem mealy above, fibrillose below,
pallid to ochraceous buff. Spores 7 to 9 x 4.5

tii 6 /i

i ■ ueal j/ptorum.

182. Naiicoria

IwriaonUiUs.

1 TO h In m h i i/7/i

126

THE LARGER FUNGI

Growing in fields, lawns, etc.

[’ileus 4 to ' lin., convex, then expanding, buff to
ochracaous buff. Gills pallid becoming huffy

brown. Stem straight, buff to oehraeeous buff.
Spores 11 to 15 x 7.5 to 11 /x. On sandy soil

or dung

Growing in sand.

Pilous 1 to 1 Jin., snyal brown. Gills sinuate,
snuff brown. Stem moderately stout, pallid.
Spores elongated, pallid brown, 9.5 to 13 x 4 fi .
In uncultivated open or forest country.

[’ileus about Jin., convex, often dimpled, dark
tawny brown drying oehraeeous tawny. (tills
snuff’ brown to tawny olive. Stein short, pallid.

Spores 8.5 to 11 x 4.5 to 5.5 /x

Pilous about Jin., convex, subuinbonate, Verona
brown. Gills sinuate, Verona brown, edges finely
serrate. Stem pallid brownish. Spores 8.2 x 4 ix .

183. Naucoria

m miorbinilaris.

184. ,V. arenacolens.

1 85. .V. nubfulva.

18(5. V. vcronabmnnmts.

1, “Pilous smooth, veil none. Spores ferruginous, not becoming fuscous
ferruginous. ’ ' — Rea.

*Gills free or slightly adnexed.

PS2. Naucoria horizontalis (Bull.) Ur. (L., lwrizontalix, horizontal). — Pilous
.] to Jiu. (15 to S mm.), occasionally up to Jin. (1.8 nun.), convex, sometimes
llalielliform or kidney-shaped, later more flattened, faintly striate, villous-looking
(smooth in British descriptions), pale brownish -straw to orangev-brown. (tills
adnexed, almost free, moderately distant, crenulate, colour of the pileus. Stem
; j- to Jin. (15 to 12 nun.), slender, central or a little exeentrie or sometimes nearly
lateral, incurved, attenuated downwards, slightly brownish, sometimes with
whitish mycelium at the base. Spores yellow-brown microscopically, elliptical,
7 to 9 X 5 to 6.5 IX. On fallen logs and the bark of dying Eucalypts. South
Australia — Mount Lofty (record doubtful). New South Wales. March to Jul\.

These little brown agarics, growing often in numbers on bark, are apt to be
looked for under the genus Crei>idolit,s. It will be noted, however, that the short
slender incurved stem is usually more or less centrally placed, tin 1 incurving of
the stem being responsible for the apparently somewhat lateral attachment of
the pileus.

**Gills ndnate, pileus convexo-plane.

No South Australian species recorded.

***Gills ndnate, pileus eampanulate, then expanded.

No South Australian species recorded.

II. “Pileus naked. Gills and spores fuscous ferruginous. Veil potential,
rarely manifest. ” ’ — Rea.

^Growing in fields and plains.

183. Naucoria semiorbicularis (Bull.) Fr. (L., semi, half ; orb i&nlaris, round).
Pileus J to 1 ‘.ill. (1.2 to 3.1 nn,), deeply hemispherical, then convex, expanding
when old and sometimes a little upturned, smooth, slightly sticky when moist,
edge a little turned in when young and with a slight fringe from the veil.
Warm Buff ( x v. ) round the edge, near Oehraeeous Buff (XV.) in the centre,
paler when old. Gills broadly adnexed or slightly sinuate to nearly adnate,
moderately close, slightly veutricose, finally to Jin. (6 mm.) deep, in three tiers,
one reaching half-way with very short ones on each side, paler than Puffy Brown
(XL.), then Buffy Brown. Stem ljin. (3.1 cm.), slender (6 mm. thick), nearly equal,
slightly mealy or fibrillose, somewhat cartilaginous, the flesh separated from that of
the pileus by a semitranslucent zone, stuffed or becoming hollow, warm buff above,
oehraeeous buff below. Flesh of the pileus pallid. Spores elliptical, rather
dingy yellowish-brown to fuscous, 11 to 17 x 7.5 to 11 p. On sandy soil or on
dung. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Mount Compass, Encounter Bay. April,
May.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

127

**Growing in sand.

184. Naucoria arenacolens Ckd. (L„ arena, sand; cole n$, inhabiting). — Pileus
1 to 1 Jin. ('2.0 to 4.4 cm.), convex becoming more expanded, a little irregular,
innately fibrillose, edge in-turned when young, near Naval Brown (xxix.). Gills
sinuate, moderately close, deeply ventricose, 3 to 5 mm. deep, edges paler and
minutely serrulate, near Snuff Brown (xxix.). Stem 1 to lfin. (2.5 to 3.7 cm.),
moderately stout (8 to 10 mm. thick), equal, fibrillose, solid, pallid with tint's
of Pinkish Buff (xxix.). Flesh tinted like the stem, that of the stem more
fibrous than the flesh of the pileus. Spores elongated mummy-shaped, pallid
brown, 9.5 to 13 x 4 /x. Single or several together, emerging from sandy soil.
South Australia — VVait.pinga Road, Kncounter Bay. May.

The rather cinnamon brown pileus, snuff brown gills with pule finely serrated
edges, the solid fibrillose pinkish buff stem ami the habitat in sandy soil
characterise the species.

***Growing in moist, uncultivated, wooded places.

185. Naucoria subfulva Clel. (L., xubfulvus, somewhat tawny). — Pileus fill. (Id
mm.), convex, sometimes slightly dimpled, tomentose, edge turned in when young,
dark fanny or cinnamon brown, when drying darker than Ochraceons Tawny (xv.)
to Tawny Olive (xxix.). Gills adnate to sinuato-adnate, slightly ventricose,
moderately close, a little crisped, near Snuff Brown (xxix.) to Tawny Olive
(xxix.). Stem short, Ain. (1.2 cm.), slender, fibrillose to shaggy fibrillose, slightly
hollow, pallid wit'll tints as on the pileus. Veil present when very small. Spores
oblique, pallid brown, varying in size, 8.5 to 11 x 4.5 to 5.5 g. On the ground
in the open. South Australia — Myponga. October.

186. Naucoria veronabrunneus del. (L., vero%abrunmeus, Verona brown). —
Pileus i to fin. (1.2 to 1.6 cm.), deeply convex with a slight umbo, fibrillose,
liygrophanous, near Verona Brown (xxix.) drying pallid. Gills sinuate, moderately
close, ventricose, near Verona Brown (xxix.), the edges paler and finely serrate.
Stem 2in. (5 cm.), equal, Hexuous, mealy above, fibrillose below, solid, apparently
cartilaginous and differing in texture from the flesh of the pileus, pallid with a
brownish tint. Spores rather narrow, oblique, rather dull brown, 8.2 x 4 /x. On
the ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty. July.

111. ‘'Pileus floeculose or squamulose. Veil manifest. Spores ferruginous.” —
Rea.

No South Australian species recorded.

ft Margin of pileus straight', at first adpressud to the stem.

GALERA Fr.

(1,., g uterus j a cap.)

‘‘Pileus fleshy or submembranaceous; margin straight, at first adpressed to
the stem. Stem central, cartilaginous. Gills adnate or aducxed. Spores
ochraeeous, cinnamon or ferruginous; elliptical, pruniform or almond-shaped;
smooth; with a germ-pore, rarely continuous. Cvstidia generally present.
Growing on the ground.” — Rea.

The species of Galera are small fungi growing on dung or amongst grass or
moss. The genus corresponds with Mycena amongst the white-spored group.
"1 lie pileus is thin and membranaceous, mostly conical or deeply convex, often
somewhat striate round the margin when moist, of an ochraeeous or yellowish-
brown colour, liygrophanous, becoming paler when dry when the surface often
appears atomate or covered with minute whitish particles. The gills are mostly
ascending and narrow, rarely broad, and in colour vellowish-brown to cinnamon.
The stem is slender and hollow.

Four species have been recognised in tliis State, two species appearing on dung,
one frequently on buffalo grass lawns and one amongst moss in shady places in
our hills.

128

THE LARGER FUNGI

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

On dung- or amongst grass.

Spores large, 11 to IS x 7.5 to 9 p.

Pileus eonico-campamdate, yellowish-brown,
hygroplianous, atomate when dry. Gills
ascending. Stem brownish. On dung (with
us ) 187. Galera tenera.

Pileus broadly conical, dingy ferruginous,
hygroplianous, atomate when dry. Gills
ascending, crenulate. Stem whitish. Amongst
buffalo grass 188. G. crispa.

Spores smaller, 9 x 4.S p.

Pileus campanulato-eonvex, dark brown, hygro-
phnnous. Gills ascending, cinnamon brown.

Stem pallid. On dung 189. G. teneroides.

Amongst moss.

Pileus campanulate, striate, watery cinnamon.

Gills tawny cinnamon. Stem brownish cinna-
mon. Spores 11 to 12.8 x 7.5 p 190. G. hypnonm.

*“ Pileus eonico-campannlate, hygroplianous, rather even, when dry dotted with
soft particles. Stem tense and straight. Gills ascending, inserted at the top
of the cone, rather crowded. Veil none.” — Rea.

1S7. Galera tenera (Schaoff.) Fr. (L., truer, tender). — Pileus up to 1- to fin.
(12 to 18 mm.), fin. (10 mm.) high, couico-eampanulate to hemispherical, sub-
membranaceous, striate when moist, hygroplianous, somewhat atomate, yellowish-
brown near Argus Brown (m.) when moist, drying Pinkish Buff (xxix.). Gills
ascending, ndnate, narrow, somewhat crowded, cinnamon (near Sayal Brown,
xxix., or Brussels Brown, in.). Stem 1-] to 21in. (3 to 6.2 cm.) (British speci-
mens, 3 to dim, 7.5 to 10 cm.), slender, fragile, equal or slightly swollen at the
base, straight and tense, shining, brownish to pallid brownish (colour of the
pileus ) , sometimes nearly whitish. Flesh of the stem distinct from that of the
pileus. Spores elliptical, yellow-brown, 13 to 19 x 7.5 to 10.5 p. On dung
(in Australian specimens so far found). South Australia — Beaumont (Adelaide),
Kangarilla (on horse dung), Mount Compass, Encounter Bay, Kin chin a, Middle-
ton, Mount Gambier. April, May, August, October. (Figure 22 B.)

Found with us on dung and recognisable by the conico-campanulatc yellowish-
brown pileus, ascending cinnamon-coloured gills, long brownish stem and large
spores.

188. G'alera crispa Longyear. (L., crispus, curled). — Pileus i to lfin. (1.2 to
3.5 cm,), i to 1 gin. (0.8 to 3.5 cm,) high, at first a mere rounded conical knob,
becoming eonico-campannlate, then expanding to become broadly conical, some-
times with an acute umbo, when moist substriate, finely atomate, the edge some-
times splitting, when moist dingy ferruginous (paler than Huffy Brown, XL.),
pallid ferruginous or pale isabelline or dull whitish with a biscuity tint when
dry, sometimes darker brown round the apex. Gills ascending, aduate, close,
broad linear, a little crenulate, slightly ventricose, in three tiers, the second tier
reaching half to three-quarter-way to the stem, the third tier very short, ( innn-
moii Brown (xv.) to rusty ferruginous. Stem up to 1| to 2in. (4.4 to 5 cm.),
slender, slightly fiexuous, faintly striate and pulverulent, brittle, slightly hollow,
base slightly bulbous, whitish to pallid with a brownish tint. Spores obliquely
elliptical, yellow-brown, 11 to 17 x 7.5 to 9.5 p, inflated cells round the edges
of the gills about 19 p long with bases 7.5 p, ventricose, apices constricted with
a rounded knob about 4 p in diameter on top. Soon shrivelling and collapsing.
On buffalo grass lawns usually. South Australia, — University and other lawns in
Adelaide after heavy rain, Mount Gambier (in grass). February to June.
(Figure 23.)

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

129

A delicate species found commonly in buffalo grass lawns after the first
autumnal rains, readily recognised by the shape, the dingy ferruginous pileus,
ascending gills, whitish stem and large spores. The crisping of the gills is not
marked in our plant's.

[Photo, by 8. Tee.

Figure 23 . — Golem crtspa Longyear (No. 188). On lawn,
Adelaide.

189. G’alera teneroides Peck. (L., tener , tender; G-r., .oios, like — here presumably
implying a resemblance to G. tmera Schaeff., Fr.). — Pileus Jin. (1.2 cm.), fin.
(10 mm.) high, campanulato-convex, striate, hygrophanous, dark brown (near
Bistre, XL.) when moist, drying pale (near Tawny Olive, XL.). Gills ascending,
adnate, moderately close, ventricose, near Cinnamon Brown (xv.). Stem 2Jin.
(0.2 cm.), slender, pallid with a brownish tint. Spores oblique, one end broader,
pallid dingy brown, 9 x 4.S y. On dung. South Australia — Mylor. May.

This species seem referrable to the American G. tenercides Peck, though in the
American plant the gills are described as narrow, not as ventricose. It can he
recognised by its habitat (dung) and spores smaller than those of G. tenera.

* Pileus membranaceous, campanulate, striate, smooth, hygrophanous, even
when dry, opaque, slightly silky. Stem thin, lax, flexible. Gills broadly and
planely adnate, broad, somewhat denticulate. Cortina very fugacious. Slender,
growing amongst moss.’' — Rea.

190. Galera hypnorum (Schrank.) Fr. (L., liypnum, a moss). — Pilous up to
(in. (6 mm.), campanulate, umbonate, striate, watery cinnamon, paler when dry.
Gills adnate, tending to be distant, tawny cinnamon. Stem up to lin. (2.5 cm.),
slender, brownish cinnamon. Spores oblique, yellow-brown, 1 1 to occasionally
12.8 x 7.5 (i. Amongst moss. South Australia — Greenhill Road. June.

A species recognisable by its habitat' (amongst moss), campanulate, striate,
watery cinnamon pileus, adnate tawny cinnamon gills and brown stem.

***“ Pileus submembranaceous. Veil manifest, superficial, separating, at the
first (chiefly round Hie margin) silky, and squamulose. ” — Rea.

No South Australian species recorded.

THE LARGER FVNGI

130

‘“'“'Gills decurrent.

TUBARIA W.G.Sm.

(L., tub, a, a trumpet.)

‘‘I'ileus fleshy or ut$Siibranneeous ; margin incurved. Stem central, cartilaginous.
Gills decurrent or broadly adnate. Spores ocliraceous, ferruginous or rarely
fuscous; elliptical, pip-sliaped or almond-shaped ; smooth, continuous. Cystidia
present. Growing on the ground or on wood.’’ — Rea.

The species are characterised by the brown spores, central cartilaginous stem,
decurrent gills and incurved margin. The number of species is small, and in
South Australia only one or two have been recognised, small brown plants
growing amongst grass or moss.

191. Tubaria furfuracea (Pers.) W.G.Sm. (L,, furfuraccus, scurfy). — I’ileus
1 to jin. (ti to 12 mm.), convex, usually imbilicate, sometimes striate when moist,
faintly sulcate round the edge, tibvillose-nnitt to velvety, markedly hygrophauous,
Sayul Brown to Snuff Brown (xxtx.), pallid brownish when dry. Gills adnate
lo decurrent, moderately distant, deep Snuff Brown. Stem up to tin. (2.5 cm.),
slender, mealv-fibrillose, rather shaggy below, cartilaginous, tough, slightly
hollow, colour of the pileus. Spores oblique, dull brown, 7.5 to 9 x 4.2 to 5.2 y.
Single oil the ground or amongst moss or grass. South Australia — Stonyfell
(near Adelaide); Mount Lofty; amongst moss, etc., Mount Wedge, 20 miles
north of Elliston, E.P. ; Piimaroo; MacDonnell Bay (S.E.). April, May, June,
A ugust.

192. Tubaria furfuracea (Pers.) W.G.Sm. vur. trigonophylla (Lasch.) FT.
(Or., triffOHo. s, triangular; phyllon, a leaf). — Pileus and decurrent gills forming
a double cone, in small plants jin. ((i mm.) broad and a little more high.
Pileus jin. to tin. (6 to 25 mm.), convex, sometimes blunt at the apex, then
nearly plane, usually becoming umbilicate, edge striate and rugose and inturned
when young, surface dull to tomentose, hygrophauous, near Warm Sepia (xxix.),
near Hazel (xv.) or tunny brown, drying near Sayul Brown (xxix.) or pallid,
edge sometimes scorched-looking. Gills triangular, slightly to very deeply
decurrent, moderately close to rather distant, near Sayul Brown (xxtx.), paler
than the pileus. Stem 1 to ljin. (2.5 to 4.M cm.), slender, finely floceulose,
fibrillose tomentose or striate, sometimes twisted, hollow, rather cartilaginous,
near Sayul Brown (xxix.) or near Hazel (xV. ), slightly whitish at the base.
Spores obliquely elliptical, pale or dull brown, 8 to 9.5 x 4.5 to hi y. Amongst
grass or moss in sandy soil. South Australia — Monarto South, Encounter Bay.
Piimaroo. May, July, August.

({■ Pilous confluent with the excentric or lateral stem, dimidiate, sessile or

resupinate.

CREPIDOTUS Fr.

(Gr., hrepis, a man’s boot; ouu, an ear.)

‘‘Pileus fleshy, excentric, lateral or resupinate. Stem lateral or none. Gills
more or less decurrent or radiating from a central point. Spores ocliraceous,
ferruginous or fuscous; elliptical, subglobose, oval or fusiform; smooth, granular,
verrucose or echinulate; continuous. Cystidia present. Growing on wood, rarely
on the ground. ’ ’ — Rea.

The species of Crcpiilo'tuu are characterised by the brown spores and by the
stem being excentric, lateral or absent. They grow on wood, frequently in shelf-
form and sometimes over-lapping (imbricate) when the support is upright. The
shelf form is naturally most pronounced when the stem is absent or is lateral and
very short. T'wrt of our species are common in the Mount Lofty Ranges growing-
on the old outer bark of species of living Eucalyptus trees. One of these is
often found also on fallen wood and strips of stringy -bark and has even been
found on rotting bagging. One species ( globiyeivs), occurring on dead trunks,
is when fresh almost altogether whitish and may be mistaken for Plcurotus unless
it is noticed that the gills have a faint brownish tint; a spores print on white
paper or a microscopic examination at once however shows the brown colour of
the spores. Four species have so far been found in this State. They appear to
be of no economic importance.

OF SOOTH AUSTRALIA.

133

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

On trunks (often of living trees), etc.

Stem definite but short.

Pileus pale brown to liver brown becoming
shiny. Stem curved with a mealy white

bloom 103. Crrpi.ikil.us

suhluiustellaris.

Laterally contracted, stem absent.

Pilous yellowish brown, fibre-villose to scaly.

Spores 7 to 10 x 5 to 6 p 194. C. eumlyptorum.

Pileus dingy whitish drying brown. Spores

globose, 6 to 7.5 ft 195. C. globigems.

At base of stumps or on the ground.

Pileus 1] to 21in., furfurnoeo-scnly, ochraceous
tawny to yellow ochre. Gills deeply decurrent,
sometimes anastomosing, buckthorn brown to
snuff brown. Stem J to Jin., nearly central to
almost lateral, pallid. Spores 8 to 9.5 x 4.S to
5.5 p 196. C. prosUntus.

193. Crepidotus subhaustellaris del. (L., sub, here near to the species
C. hcmstcUaris Fr.). — Pileus at first a little pubescent knob on a pubescent base.
When adult, pileus Jin. (1.2 cm.) up to occasionally lin. (2.5 cm) broad, f to
I in. (9 to 18 mm.) from before backwards, convex or irregularly convex, or
almost flabelliform. often wavy and upturned, surface dull and matt becoming
shiny, the edge turned in when young, near Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.) to
near Wood Brown (XL.), drying to Pale Alutaecons Buff (xv.), near Liver
Brown (xiv.) towards the attachment. Gills adnate, close, many short', near
Cinnamon Brown (XT-). Stem exeentric or nearly lateral, short or very short,
1/16 to Jin. (1.5 to 3 mm.), curved, swollen below the gills, with a mealy white
bloom, brownish beneath, and a fluffy base. Spore mass near Mummy Brown
(xv.), spores microscopically pale dingy brown to dull vinous brown, elliptical,
oblique, one side a little flattened and one end more pointed, 6.5 to 7.5 x 4 to
5 p. On trunks of living Eucalvpts (E. c<ip$telhita Sm., etc.), on old bagging
and on a dead Xauthorrhoca scape. South Australia — Mount Lofty, National
Park, Kuitpo. March to June, August to October.

194. Crepidotus eucalyptorum Clel. ( Euculyplorum , of Eucalypts). — Pileus
l to 2j-in. (1.2 to 3.1 cm.) laterally, J to 1 Ain. (6 nun. to 3.7 era.) from before
backwards, convex, sometimes flabelliform, sometimes a little gibbous, surface
matt to fibro-villous, sometimes becoming fibrillosely scaly, edge a little turned
ill, watery brown to yellowish brown, near Old Gold (xVl.), the villous projections
Buff Yellow (iv.) to browner or a little paler than Saceardo’s Umber (xxix.),
(trying paler or sometimes to a dark biscuit brown. Gills moderately close to
rather distant, pallid brownish, pallid dingy yellowish, pale yellowish brown or
earthy brown — paler than Saccanlo's Umber (xxix.), a little browner than
Avellnncous (xi„). Flabelliform, laterally attached bv a constricted base, no
definite stem. Flesh thick at the centre (up to fin., 10 mm,), white or pellucid
soapy-looking. Spore mass near Raw Umber (in.), spores microscopically dull
pale brown, oblique, 7.2 to 11 x 5.2 to 7.5 p, occasionally 13 x 9 p. On trunks
of living Eucalypts (Eucalyptus odornta Behr et Schl., E. leuooxybon F.v.M., etc.).
South Australia — Botanic Gardens, National Park, Mount Lofty. May, June.
July, August. Victoria. New South Wales.

195. Crepidotus globigerus Berk. (L., globus, a globe or ball; gero, to bear,
in reference to the spores). — Pileus 1] to 21in. (3 to 6.2 cm.) horizontally, to
ljin. (3.7 cm.) antero-postcriorly, flabelliform, sometimes nearly plane, sub-
villous or nearly smooth, finally villous, edge turned in when young, dingy whitish
or Cinnamon Brown (xv.) becoming pallid brown or sometimes yellowish -brown.
Gills laterally attached by a fluffy base which is 2 or 3 mm. long, moderately
close, greyish white at first, when dry yellowish brown. Flesh white, not pellucid.
Spores globose, dull brown, 6 t'o 7.5 p. On fallen trunks, etc. South Australia —
Mylar, National Park. New South Wales. May to August.

132

THE LARGER FUNGI

196. Crepidotus prostratus del. (L., prostratus, prostrate, in reference to its
habit).— Pileus 11 to 2iin. (3 to 6.2 cm.) laterally, 1J to 2in. (3 to 5 cm.)
antero-posteriorlv, smaller or larger, irregular, more or less convex with the
centre depressed, furfuraceous-scaly or finely matt, splitting, edge interned and
sometimes substriate, hygrophanous, Ochraceous Tawny (xv.) to near Yellow
Ochre (xv.) or Prout’s Brown (xv.) drying near Tawny Olive (xxix.). Gills
moderately close, 3/16in. (4.5 mm.) deep, pallid brown, then near Buckthorn
Brown (x'V.) or Snuff Brown (xxix.) or near Cinnamon Brown (XV.), deeply
decurrent and sometimes anastomosing on the nearly central, excentric or almost
lateral, short (4 to Jin., 1.2 to 1.8 cm.), rather broad (7 mm.), solid white or
pallid stem. Spores elliptical, yellowish brown or dull brown, 8 to 9.5 x 4.8 to
5.5 /jl. Caespitose and overlapping at the base of stumps, etc., or attached to
buried wood in sandy soil or flattened on the ground. South Australia — Monarto
South, Kinchina, and Coonalpyn. New South Wales — Bumberry. May, September.

E. SPORES PURPLE, FUSCOUS OR PORPHYRY COLOURED.
PORPHYROSPORAE.

(a) Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy stem.
*With a ring on the stem and a volva at the base of the stem.

CHITONTELLA P. Heim.

(Diminutive of Gr., otviton, a coat of mail.)

At first covered with a universal veil which ruptures to form a volva. Pileus
free from the stem. Gills free. Stem with a ring. Spores purple-brown.

No Australian species so far known.

**With a volva at the base of the stem but no ring.

CLARKEINDA O. Kuntze.

(After C. B. Clarke, an English botanist, and Gr., Didos, pertaining to India,

where he worked.)

( = Chiton la Fr.)

“ Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central, thin. Volva membranaceous, sheathing.
Gills free. Spores brownish purple, elliptical, smooth, with an apical germ-pore.
Growing on the ground.’' — Rea.

No Australian species so far known.

***With a ring on the stem but no volva.

PSAELIOTA (PSALIOTA) Fr.

(Gr., pmlion, a ring.)

“Pileus more or less fleshy, regular. Stem central. Ring membranaceous,
adnate, persistent, rarely fugacious. Gills free. Spores fuscous purple, reddish
purple, blackish purple, or fuscous; elliptical, oval, globose, or obovate; with
an apical germ-pore. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on the ground.” Rea.

Under Ps\alUot,a are placed the common field mushroom (Ps. campestris ) and
allied species. In Australia, Ps. campestris and its varieties and perhaps Ps.
arvensis, the horse-mushroom, are the only agarics generally eaten and sold for
food.

OF SOOTH AUSTRALIA.

133

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

GUIs bright pink even when young .. .. 197. Psalliota cam pent vis.

Gills for long pallid, never bright pink.

In fields, roadsides, etc.

Very large and stout, often in rings, cap

whitish, in fields 19&, ft. arvensis-

Relatively small, whitish, fragrant 199. Ps. arvensis var.

Under bushes and trees. Juif/uins,

White with buff-vellow stains -HO. Ps. ■van Ihodcrnia.

Amongst debris under Eucalypts.

Moderately large. I'ileus cinnamon drab to

vinaeeous fawn. Gills vinaceous fawn .. 201. Ps. riiiacca,

11)7. Psalliota campestris (L.) Fr. (L., eampegtris, belonging to a plain). The
Common Field Mushroom. — Pileus 2 to 4iin. (5 to 11.2 cm.), white or rufeseent,
fleshy, convex, then expanded, obtuse, dry, silky-even or squamulose. Gills vivid
fleshy-pink almost from their first recognition, at: length purplish-brown (umber
fuscous), free, close, ventricose, equally attenuated both ways. Stem U to 3in.
(3.7 to 7.5 cm.), white, firm, bulbous when young, then somewhat equal, even
or squamulose. Ring white, membranaceous, median, spreading or reflexed,
torn, often fugacious. Flesh white, becoming slightly reddish or fuscous, thick,
soft. Spores brownish purple, broadly elliptical, 6 to 7x5 to 5.5 p. Smell
ami taste pleasant. South Australia — In suitable places probably throughout the
State except portions of the arid interior. All the other Australian States.
Europe, America, etc. April, May,

The Common Field Mushroom is abundant, probabh throughout the State,
under suitable weather conditions, and especially after the first heavy autumnal
rains. It is characterised by the gills being bright' pink even in early stages,
by the white or whitish cap sometimes scaly, by the veil which ruptures to form
aii evident ring and by the absence of a volvn or cup at the base of the stem.
The forms found in fields amongst grass is usually rather small and has a smooth
white pileus. Large specimens, often growing in more sandy soils, tend to be
more squamulose.

198. Psalliota arvensis (Sclmeff.) Fr. (L., arvensis, belonging to cultivated
fields.) The Horse-Mushroom — Very large, forming rings up to 33ft. in
diameter. Pileus 2i to 7in. (6.2 to 17.5 cm.), at first irregularly subspherical
or quadrilateral-hemispherical, then deeply convex, stout, white becoming a little
brownish (browner than Avellaneons, XL.) or with tints of yellow, with scattered
adpressed llgulate sometimes brown scales. Gills free, close, for long pallid
whitish or Light Buff (xv.), then dull pinkish, finally purplish brown. Stem
up to 3in, (7.5 cm.), at first short, very stout, up to Ijin. (3.7 cm.) thick, equal,
sometimes slightly bulbous below, silky white, sometimes with yellow tints,
sometimes floccose below. Ring ample, distant, with floccose fragments below.
Flesh white usually without any yellow tint, brownish where insect-eaten. Spores
elliptical, brownish purple, 6 to 9 x 3.5 to 5.5 p. Often in rings. Edible. South
Australia — Flats near Kalaagadoo — rings 33ft. in diameter; Encounter Bay — a
ring on the Bluff had n diameter of 33ft. in 1926; Kinchina; Mount Lofty;
Adelaide; and probably in suitable localities throughout the southern portion of
the State. April to June, August.

This is a large and coarser species of mushroom characterised by the gilts
being at first whitish, passing through a pink stage which is less vivid than in
Pa. campestris to the final purplish-brown. The ring is typically double and the
plants sometimes grow in largo “fairy rings.” It is edible and probably many
of the mushrooms sold in the Adelaide shops belong to this species rather than
to Ps. wmpcslrix. It is possible that it may disagree with some people who are
unable to digest it. It is certainly loss delicate, and coarser (hence the name
“horse” — also applying to its size — similarly used in horse-chestnut), than the
Field Mushroom. An Adelaide University student on one occasion ate some

mushrooms which from the rather course appearance and a slight smell of
iodoform seem to be this species or one of its varieties; the spores measured
7x5 p; he vomited slightly after twenty minutes and was violently sick two
hours inter; his hands, fingers, and feet, felt cold and he passed three motions;
there were no further ill effects.

134

THE LARGER Fl'NIJl

In Sydney there is a tall-stemmed variety (P.s\ arvensis var. iodoformis Clel, ot
Clieel) which has an unusually strong smell like iodoform. Not only is this
noticed in the field, but in an instance when these mushrooms were being cooked
the whole house smelt strongly of iodofo-rm which was noticeable at the front
door and led to inquiries as to sickness. Though I have tasted this variety, the
iodoform smell prevented my doing more. However, some ladies on the North
Shore line in Sydney ate some and felt seriously ill afterwards.

199. Psalliota arvensis (Sehaeff.) Hr. var. fragrant: Clel. et Cheel. (L.,
f mgr am, fragrant). — Pileus up to 31in. (8.7 cm.), usually much less, at first
hemispherical, then convex, sometimes conical with a depressed centre, sometimes
gibbous, smooth, shining, pure white, sometimes with faint rusty or yellowish
stains, when bruised turning yellowish. Gills free, or just reaching the stem,
close, whitish for long, then pallid greyish or pale creamy pink, finally purplish
brown or paler than purple-black. Stem 34in. (8.7 cm.) or less, sometimes up to
lin. (1.2 cm.) thick, slender or stout, slightly hollow or solid, with a pointed
root, white, sometimes later with a reddish tint. Texture sometimes tougher
than that of Ps. eampestris, the Field Mushroom. Spores 5.2 to 8.5 x 3.4 to 5.2 /i.
Slight but definite fragrant smell. South Australia — Under Firms and amongst
grass by the wayside, Glen Osmond (Adelaide). April to July.

This is a small form of the Horse Mushroom characterised by a definite
fragrant smell.

200. Psalliota xanthoderma Goner. (Ur., mnthos, yellow; derma, skin). — Pilous
up to Gin. (7.5 cm.), subglobose, then convex, nearly smooth but with a tendency
to thin ftbrillose scales, pure white with stains of Butt Yellow (iv.) appearing
especially when bruised but also naturally. Gills free, rather narrow, pallid drab
when young, then cinereous near Light Drab (xlvi.). Stem up to 2in. (5 cm,),
rather stout (up to fin., 1.8 cm.), equal, smooth, sometimes slightly bulbous at
the base, slightly hollow, white with buff-yellow stains. Bing rather distant,
distinct, narrow, double witli the lower part narrow and adpressed to the stem,
stained buff-yellow. Flesh thickisli. Smell faint. Spores dull vinous, 5.2 to 6.5
x 3.7 to 4.8 fi. Often under trees. South Australia — Fullarton, Glen Osmond,
Adelaide Hospital grounds. June, July.

This mushroom is readily recognised by the stains of buff yellow appearing-
on the pilous and stem, especially when injured, and by the gills not passing
through a bright pink stage but presenting a cinereous tinge. It usually grows
under trees or shrubs. The writer lias eaten it but found it less palatable than
the Field Mushroom. It is said to be “poisonous” to some persons, which
probably means that it may upset them but not that' it can cause a fatal issue.

20.1. Psalliota vinacea del. (L., vinaceus, wine-coloured). — Pilous up to 4in.
(1(1 cm.), at first conico-hemisjiheric.al, then convex, finally expanding, covered
with adpressed fibrils or fibr ill oso-sq uames, Cinnamon Drab (xlvi.) to a vinaceous
brown. Gills free, rather close, when young pallid (Tillcul Buff, XL.), later
Light Vinaceous Fawn (XL.), tints of pink never so vivid as in the Common Field
Mushroom. Stem 3 to 3Jin. (7.5 to 8.7 cm.), stout (4iu., 1.2 cm., or more in
diameter), clad with lloccose fibrils below tbe ring, sometimes a little bulbous
at the base, rather rooting, solid or with a trace of hollowness, whitish. Veil
white, underside rather lloccose, ring ample, rather distant. Flesh of the stem
turning slightly brownish towards the periphery. Spores purplish brown, 5.5 x
3.5 g. Amongst fallen sticks, etc., under Eucalvpts. South Australia — National
Park. June.

Characterised by being a large species of mushroom growing amongst the
debris of sticks and chips under Kucalypts in hilly forest country, by tbe
vinaceous brown colour of the pileus due to abundant adpressed fibrils, by the
gills at first pallid and never as rich a pink as in the Common Field Mushroom,
though on the other hand not, dingy, by the lloccose appearance of the underside-
of the white veil, and by tbe lloccose fibrils on the stem below the ring.

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

135

****Witli 0 ut a ring or a volva.

PILOSACE Fr.

(Gr., pilos, a cap; sakos, a shield.)

“Pilens fleshy, regular. Stem central, stout. Gills free from the stem. Spores
Lay purple, globose, smooth, with a germ-pore. Growing on the ground.’’ — Rea.
No Australian species so far known.

(b) PiLEUS CONFLUENT WITH AND HOMOGENEOUS WITH THE FLESHY STEM.
:i With a membranous ring o.. the stem.

STROPHARIA Fr.

(Gr., strophos, a belt'.)

‘ ‘ Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central. Ring membranaceous, adnate, persis-
tent or fugacious. Gills more or less adnate. Spores purple or fuscous, rarely
blackish, elliptical, elliptic-oblong or pip-shaped, smooth with an apical germ-
pore. Growing on the ground, on dung, or on wood, sometimes caespitose, sub-
caespitose or fasciculate. ’ ' — Rea.

The genus is readily recognised by the more or less evident ring on the stem,
the latter not being readily separable from the pileus, and by the purple or
fuscous spores, a colour which is recognisable in the tint of the mature gills.
Only four (or five) species have hitherto been found in the State, one of which
grows in lawns and gardens and the others on dung. In the case of S. merdarkt,
the incompleteness or absence of the ring leads to the placing of the species by
some authors under Psilocybe.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Not growing on dung. Medium sized 202. Stropharia Obturata.

Growing on dung or manured soil.

Ring obvious.

Pileus persistently hemispherical 203. *S‘. semiglqbata.

Pileus hemispherical, then expanding 204. S. sterooraria.

Pileus with a more or less acute umbo. Smell

musty 205. 8- umbonatesaens.

Ring incomplete, often not recognisable 206. S. merdaria.

A. Pellicle of the pileus even or scaly, usually viscid.

*Not growing on dung.

202. Stropharia obturata Fr. (L., obturatus, stopped up). — Pileus up to Uin.
(3.7 cm.), light yellow (Buff Yellow, iv.) becoming slightly browner, convex,
then plane or a little upturned, obsoletely viscid, commonly dry, smooth, tending
to crack rimosely. Gills very slightly sinuate or adnexed (adnate in British
plants), crowded, pallid whitish, then dingy greyish (near Deep Quaker Drab,
li.). Stem 1 to 2in. (2.5 to 5 cm.), slightly attenuated downwards, firm, often
a little flexuous, solid, somewhat mealy above the ring, silky-shining and slightly
fibrillose below. Veil white, appendiculate to the margin of the pileus when
young. Ring superior or subdistant, white, reflexed, sometimes disappearing
in old plants. Spores obliquely elliptical, purplish-vinaeeous to purplish-brown.
5.5 to 8 x 3.5 t'o 5.6 y. On the ground in lawns and amongst grass in gardens,
etc. South Australia — University lawns, Beaumont Common, Hallett’s Cove,
Encounter Bay. New South Wales. February, April to June, after rain.

This species is not uncommon in lawns and: amongst grass or in gardens. The
pileus is buff-yellow, the gills have a dingy greyish appearance, the superior ring
is usually well marked and the stem is rather short.

136

THU LARGER FUNGI

**Growing on clung.

203. Stropharia stercoraria Fr. (L., stereorarius, of dung). — Pileus lin.
(2.5 cm.), more or loss hemispherical, then expanded, obtuse, viscid, often
exceedingly so, yellow. Gills adnate, very broad, whitish, then umber fuscous or
olivaceous fuscous (or clouded with black). Stem 21 to din. (3.7 to 10 cm.),
rather slender, equal, stuffed with a separable fibrous pith (or hollow), smooth,
smeared with the glutinous veil, yellowish. Ring viscid, distant, thin, usually
obvious. Flesh pallid, thin. Spores fuscous purple, elliptical, 14 t'o 24 x 7 to
12 /i, usually 1(5 to 19 x 9 to 10 y. On dung (horse and cow), common after
rain. South Australia — Adelaide district and probably throughout the State,
Kalangadoo. May.

8. k 1 nx-oraria and 8. semirjlobnta (Batscli) Fr. are very closely allied species,
if not forms of one species. The features of S. unmglobata are said t'o be the
persistently hemispherical cap, in some descriptions hollowness of the stem, the
gills clouded with black, and the spores slightly smaller. Australian plants have
caps which frequently expand, stems which are sometimes hollow, gills which
are clouded with black, and spores which may exceed in both directions the limits
given for tile two species. We prefer to place them all under 8. xteixorariu.

The species is recognisable without difficulty by its habitat, the yellow, very
viscid hemispherical cap tending to expand, and the large t'useous purple spores.

204. Stropharia umbonatescens Peck. (L., umbo'mitcscen/s, growing an umbo). —
Pileus i to ljjin. (1.2 to 3.1 cm.), at first acutely conical, then convex with an
acute often papillate umbo, filially expanding’ and becoming nearly plane, viscid,
yellowish-brown, darker in the centre. Gills adnnte, moderately distant, dark
grey then sooty brown. Stem 3 to 44in, (7.5 to 11.2 cm.), slender, fibrillosely
squamulose below, hollow, pallid with a slight brown tint. Ring superior or
moderately distant, as a blackish ring, evanescent. Decided mouldy smell. Spores
elliptical, purplish, 15.5 to 20.5 x 8.5 to 12 y. On dung. South Australia —
Near Beaumont, Enecnmter Bay. New South Wales. United States of America.
April, May.

This species is dung-inhabiting and readily recognisable bv its long slender
stem, yellowish-brown sticky cap with an acute umbo, the decided musty smell,
ami the large purplish spores.

205. Stropharia merdaria Fr. (PMlocybe merdnrw Fr., Rick.) (L., merdurius,
of dung). — Pileus usually 4 to lin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.), convex, subviseid to viscid
when moist, the edge inturned when young and with whitish fragments of the
flimsy veil, when midst sometimes dark brown and the edge slightly striate, when
drier light tan-coloured, yellowish brown, dirty pale chestnut or dark brown
(Snval Brown, xxix., more ochrueeous than Cinnamon Buff, xxix., near Oehraceous
Tawny, xv.). Gills adnate with a trace of decurrenoe, close to moderately
distant, rather triangular, at first pallid (near Isabella Colour, XXX.), finally
fuscous or clouded greyisli-brown, edges usually whitish and finely serrate. Stem
up to lin. (2.5 cm.) or more (up to 3in., 7.5 cm., in British specimens), apex
striate, mealy fibrous, downy at the base, moderately slender, sometimes hollow,
pallid to pallid brownish. Ring rarely evident, distant. Flesh white. Spore
mass dark fuscous brown; spores microscopically dull brown with a porphyry
tint to purplish brown, elongated oval, 12 to IS. 7 x (5.5 to 9.5 y. On or near
dung. South Australia — Adelaide district, Mount Lofty, Mount Compass,
Encounter Bay. May, July, August, October.

B. Pileus without a pellicle but' innate- filirillose, not viscid.

No Smith Australian species recorded.

**Gills sinuate.

HYPHOLOMA Fr.

(Gr., hypke, a web; ld»w. a fringe.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular, firm or fragile. Stem central, fibrous or fleshy. Gills
sinuate, sinuato-adnate or adnexed. Spores purple, fuscous or cinereous purple ;
elliptical, subglobose, pip-shaped or renifonn; smooth, rarely verrueose; with an

op SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

187

apical germ-pore. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on wood, more rarely on
the ground, often densely caespitose or fasciculate.” — Eea.

The species grow on decaying wood, often forming dense caespitose masses
at the bases of stumps, or on the ground. The veil of the young state does not
leave any ring on the stem but may remain as a fringe on the edge of the pileus.
The species are divided into two sections, one with the pileus compact and firm
and the other with it thin and fragile.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus firm, compact, not hygrophanous, dull reddish,
orange or yellow, caespitose.

Pileus yellowish-green. Gills sulphur-yellow

becoming green ' . . . . 206. Hy/iholoma

I’ileus tawny to ochraeeous orange (brick-red in fascwnlarp.

European specimens). Gills dull citrine. Stem

shaggy 207. H. subUiteritium.

Pileus rather fragile, often hygrophanous, rarely red
or yellow.

Pileus becoming pinkish buff, cinnamon buff or
clay-colour. Gills whitish becoming dingy pallid,
finally fuscous. Stems white. Usually caespitose
round stumps 208. IT. inrcrtki.m.

^Colour of the tough, smooth, dry pileus bright, not hygrophanous.

206. Hypholoma fasciculare (Huds.) Fr. (L., fasoi.cularis, in little bundles). —
Pileus J to Sin. (1.8 to 5 cm.), fleshy, convex, then flattened, obtuse, smooth, dry,
ochraeeous tawny, cinnamon rufous or hazel with yellowish green tints round
the periphery, sometimes with fragments of the veil round the edge, the veil
rarely leaving a definite ring round the stem. Gills sulphur yellow, then
serpentine green, crowded, adnate, linear. Stem Sin. (o cm.) or more, the colour
of the pileus, equal, base attenuated, incurved or flexuose, fibrillose. Flesh yellow,
thin. Spores porphyry-coloured, 6.5 to 8 x 11.5 to 5 p. Australian plants are
only slightly bitter (European very bitter). Densely caespitose at the bases
of stumps. South Australia — Kuitpo, Mount Lofty, National Park, Caroline
State Forest (S.E.) (bitter). May to August. (Figure 24 A.)

Figure

[ Drawings by E.R.C.

24 - — A. Hypholoma fasciculare (Huds.) Fr. (No. 206). National Park.
B and C. PsUocybe echimita Clel. (No. 218). Mount Lofty.

138

THE LARGER FUNGI

This species is common, often forming dense caespitose masses round the
bases of old stumps. It can be readily recognised by the yellowish-green edges
to the cap and the same colour in the gills when young and in the llesli. The
bitter taste is slight.

207. Hypholoma sublateritium (Schaeff.) Fr. (L., sub, somewhat; latent ins,
brick-coloured). — Pileus ljiu. (3.7 cm.), convex, matt, sometimes with a few
minute, white, twisted groups of fibrils from the veil, edge turned in when young,
near Tawny (XV.) in the centre to near Oehraeeous Orange (xv.) at the periphery,
(tills adnate, moderately close, Dull Citrine (XVI.). Stem 2in. (5 cm.), moderately
stout (1 cm. or more thick ) , attenuated downwards and sometimes upwards as
well, intensely shaggy-librillose from the veil up to a fairly definite ring, smooth
above, very hollow, pallid with brownish tints below, citrine above. Flesh
yellowish, reddish in places in the pilous. Taste slightly bitter. Spores oblique,
porphyry-coloured, 7.5 x 3.7 y. Densely caespitose at the base of stumps. South
Australia — Mount lofty. June.

There is doubt as to the identification of these Australian plants which may
be merely a colour form of H. fasokuhtrt • The colour of the pileus of British
plants is given by Rea as “tawny-brick-red,’’ paler round the margin.

* "Pileus smooth, liygrophnnous, margin appendiculate with the veil.

208. Hypholoma incertum Peek (L., ince-rtw, uncertain),- — Pileus f to 1 J in.
(1.8 to 3.2 cm.), irregularly convex becoming plano-convex or nearly plane, mealy
when young and closed by a fibrillose white veil which ruptures to leave
appendiculate fragments, Pinkish Buff (xxix.) round the edge, Cinnamon Buff
to sometimes Clay Colour (x.xix.) in the centre. Gills aduato-adnexed, rather
close, narrow, pallid 1 recoining greyish then Fuscous (xi.vi.). Stem I Jin. (3.7 cm.),
moderately slender, equal, fibrillose, apex striate, slightly hollow, white. Flesh
of pileus and stem white, homogeneous. Spore mass fuscous, spores microscopically
bronze coloured, 7.5 to 9 x 4.5 to 5 p.. On the ground often near stumps. South
Australia — Encounter Bay, Adelaide (in a clump of “bamboos” — Spanish reeds).
May, October.

Specimens, single or in clusters in a recently cleared field containing old
stumps at Willunga Hill in May. 1931, had the pileus when moist between Drab
and Hair Brown (XLVI.), surface matt, somewhat rivulose, edge turned in when
young with appendiculate remains of the veil; gills adnate, becoming near Benzo
Brown (xi.vi.) ; stem up to 2in. (5 cm.), slightly fibrillose, sometimes slightly
mealy above; flesh, of the stem brittle, seeming to differ from that of the pileus.
with a sharp line of demarcation.

There seems to be considerable difficulty in distinguishing II. Carubotteanum Fr.
from H. appendiculatum (Bull.) Fr. Rea (“British Basidiomyeetcs ’ ’) describes
the former as having the veil white, at length fuscous; apex of the stem striate;
and the gills violaceous, then fuscous cinnamon, edge at first whitish, rounded-
adnexed, then separating. 11. a p pa idi.cn la turn has a white, fugacious veil, the
apex of the stem pruinose and t lie gills white, then flesh-colour, at length fuscous,
subadnate. Both species are liygrophnnous.

Kauffman (“The Agaric; iceae of Michigan”) records H. Usoertum Peck.,
which he considers to be the American form of H. Cmuiolkvinm Fr. Peek gave
the American plant a name because it did not agree with Fries’ description of
“gills at first violaceous.” Ricken however, Kauffman points out, described
European plants as having “gills at first white, then sordid-rosy or violaceous.”
Of H. incertum, Kauffman snvs that' the margin of the pileus is “at first hung
with loose shreds of the veil, in age often violaceous, lilac towards margin”;
gills adnate-seceding, at first white, then pale dingy lilac or rosy- brown, finally
purplish or darker, edge minutely white fimbriate; stem floeculosc or mealy
above; gregarious, subcucspitose or scattered, on lawns, roadsides, fields, or
rarely in woods amongst sticks and debris, nearly always around old stumps or
buried remains of stumps, roots, or decayed wood. A variety sytvestris occurs
in woods; it is mostly solitary and long-stemmed, occurring amongst decayed
sticks or leaves and 1ms spores “perhaps slightly longer and slightly variable
in shape. ’ ’

In the Australian plants collected, I have never seen what might be termed
a flesh-colour’’ in the gills. They are at first whitish and pass through a
dingy lilac tint to fuscous. It seems best to assign them to H. mcertum Peck,
with’ the description of which they agree well.

OB’ SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

130

( C ) PILEUS CONFLUENT WITH, BUT HETEROGENEOUS FROM, THE CARTILAGINOUS STEM.
*Gills adnate or sinuato-adnate.
fMargin of pileus at first incurved, or exceeding the gills.

PSILOCYBE Fr.

(Gr., psilos, naked; Tcy'be, a head.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular; margin at first incurved. Stem central, cartilaginous.
Gills adnate, sinuato-adnate or adnexed. Spores purple, fuscous or rarely pinkish
fuscous; elliptical, pip-shaped, almond-shaped or oblong elliptical; smooth or
verrucose; with an apical germ-pore. Cystidia present. Growing on the ground
or on wood, solitary, gregarious, caespit'ose or subcaespitese.” — Rea.

The species of Psilocybe grow on the ground, on decayed wood or round
stumps. The veil is scarcely noticeable or absent entirely — hence the name — and
there is in consequence no ring nor fragments of it appendiculate to the margin.
Tlie genus corresponds to Collybia amongst the white-spored species. The margin
of the pileus is incurved when young. We possess several species, some of
moderate size, amongst' these being Ps. sarcoaephala which somewhat resembles
the common mushroom, Ps. Ceres of a beautiful Morocco or tomato red, and the
tall-stemmed Ps. mb aeruginosa with its cap often blotched with bluish green.
One species grows in sand, two are common on dung, another is found amongst
moss, and others oil rotting logs or stumps.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Large, 1 to 3in.

Pileus fleshy, pinkish brown to brownish tan. Gills
near mushroom, pink. (Spores dull vinous-brown,

8.5 to 9 x 4 to 5.5 y 209. Ps. saroocephald.

Pileus brightly coloured with Morocco red, tomato
red, vinaceous rufous, etc. Gills greyish
brown becoming purplish brown. Spores purplish

brown, 10 to 12 xj 5.6 46 7 y 210. Ps. Ceres.

Pileus brownish, more or less evidently blotched
with bluisli-green. Stem tall (2 to 5in.), slender,
similarly blotched. Spores purplish fuscous, 11

to 14 x 6.4 to 9 m 211. Ps. sub aeruginosa.

Pileus 3in., brownish, shaggy from fibrils. Stem 6in.,
shaggy. Spores rough, becoming' black, 8.5 to

12 x 7 |U. Densely caespitose in old stump . . 212. Ps. asperospora.
Smaller, rarely more than lin.

Growing on very sandy soil.

Pileus semimembranaceous, hygroplianous, dark
brown becoming cinnamon buff. Stem long,
the buried half sand-encrusted. Spores

fuscous, 11 to 13 x 5.5 to 6 m 213. Ps. subaunmophila.

Growing on dung, hygroplianous.

Gills adnate, passing straight to the stem,
rather triangular, sometimes with a
decurrent tooth. Spores large.

Pileus cinnamon to yellow and ochraceous,
convex, hygrophanous, slightly viscid.

Ring often evanescent. Stem usually

about lin., pallid 205. Stroplmria merdarui

Pileus isabelline to ochraceous, c ( Psilocybe merdaria).

lato-convex or hemispherical, subviseid.

Stem tall, usually Sin 214. Psilocybe mb'uda.

Gills adnat'e, typically subtriangular. Spores
6.5 x 5 , 11 .

Pileus tawny, russet or cinnamon brown.

Stem dark brown

215. Ps. subviscida

140

THE LARGER FUNGI

Gills ascending.

I’ilcus dark brown, drying pale brownish,
edge striate when moist. Gills fuscous.

Stem 2in., slender. Spores dark
purplish brown t'o porphyry, 12 to 14.5
x 7 to S 217. Ps. sterckola.

Amongst, moss.

Pileus about [in., umbonate. Stem pallid
brownish. Spores porphyry-coloured, 7.5 to
10.5 x o ts 6 (i 216. Ps. mux*.

At the base of rotting stumps.

Densely eehiuulate when young. Pileus dark
fuscous, drying paler. Spores bronzy
brown, 7 to' 7.5 x 4 /i. Subcaespitose .. 218. P. eclunata.

Amongst grass, on lawns, etc,

Pileus caiupanulato-convex, dingy lirown. Gills
aduate, fuscous, edges white. Stem to Hill.,
slender, rufescent. Spores brownish-black,

11.2 to 13 x 7.5 g 219. Ps. focnirasil.

1. Veil accidental, rarely conspicuous. Stem thick-skinned, flexible, most
frequently coloured. Pileus pellieulose, most frequently slightly viscid
in wet weather, becoming somewhat pale. Colour of pileus bright.

*Gills ventricose, not decurreiit.

209. Psilocybe sarcocephala l'r. (Or., sarx, flesh; hephnle, a head). Pileus
2 to din. (5 to 7.5 c-m,), at first almost hemispherical, when adult convex and a
little irregular or slightly dimpled, finally sometimes with the edge upturned,
sometimes slightly gibbous, when young Cinnamon Buff (xxix.) with Russet
(xxix.) tints, then Xaval Brown (xxix.) or Mikado Brown (xxix.) or Orange
Cinnamon (xxix.) in the centre, paler and fleshy white towards .lie periphery,
sometimes pallid with a brownish tint all over, slightly viscid when moist, smooth
to slightly (ibrillose. Occasionally a fibrous or araclimoid veil is seen when
young, leaving fibres or a slight ring on the stem. Gills slightly but definitely
sinuate, broadly adnexed, occasionally adnate, moderately close, ventricose, at
first nearly white, then pallid salmon-coloured, then almost a mushroom tint but
not so vivid (Buff Pink, xxvm.), finally brownish-salmon. Stem if to Him (4.3
to 7.5 cm.), i to fin. (6 to 12 nun.) thick, stout to slender, mealy above, slightly
fibrillose, base a little thickened, solid or somewhat hollow, white, sometimes
stained fuscous brown below. Flesh white, moist looking. Blight smell like
mushrooms. Caespitose or gregarious. Spores in the mass dull vinous brown,
microscopically dull brown with a vinous tint, oblique, one end more pointed,
8.5 to 1 I x 4 to 5.5 g, occasionally 13.5 x 0.5 P~ Under trees and bushes. South
Australia — Mount Lofty, Mylor, McLaren Vale, Mount Burr State Forest (S.E.).
New South Wales. May to July.

The above description is from Australian specimens referred to this species.
P. sarcocephala is edible but Australian plants have not been eaten. The task
of thus testing them should lie undertaken with the utmost circumspection. The
species resembles somewhat the common mushroom but does not grow in the
snme situations; the tints of the cap are however not quite the same, the gills
are not so vividly pink, and there is no well-marked ring on the stem. The species
is anomalous in the purple-spored group, as the spores are only slightly vinous,
it is apt to be looked for amongst the brown or even the pink-spored species.

210, Psilocybe Ceres Cke. et Mass. (L., Ceres, the Goddess of Corn), — Pileus
up to Liin. (3.7 cm.), convex, then expanded and slightly umbonate, smooth,
the veil separating early and remaining slightly attached to t lie edge of the
pileus, colour various tint's of reddish brown (morocco red, apricot orange,
liliaceous rufous, brick red or in places near the colour of tomatoes). Gills
sinuato-aduexed, moderately crowded, greyish-brown becoming purplish-brown
(Front’s Brown, xv., Saccaido's Olive, xvt.). Stem up to 4in. (10 cm.), wavy,
slender, shining, faintly striate, firm and cartilaginous, tile base slightly swollen
and attenuated upwards, strigose at' the base, solid, later hollow, reddish brown
below and pale above or the colour of the pilous but paler. Spores elliptical,

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

141

purplish brown, thick-walled, 10 to 12.5 x 5.6 to 7 g. Occasionally caespitose.
On rich soil, sometimes under trees, rarely on dung. South Australia — Waterfall
Gully, Glen Osmond, National Park. April, May, August, September.

A handsome medium-sized species recognised by the vivid colours of the cap
and the purplish brown gills.

211. Psilocybe subaeruginosa Clel. (L., aeruginosa, full of copper rust; sub,
here near to the species Stropharia aeruginosa (Curt.) Fr.). — Pilous f to 2in.
(1.8 to 5 cm.), when young conical to conico-convex, then convex and usually a
little upturned, subumbonate or sometimes with a small acute umbo, smooth,
periphery a little striate, edge inturned when young, hygrophanous, Buft’v Olive
(xxx.), often with bluish-green blotches, drying pallid biscuit brownish (Tawny

Figure 25 . — PsUocybe subaeruginosa Clel. (No. 211).
Mount Lofty.

Olive, xxix., or yellower than Warm Buff, xv., when dry; Dresden Brown, xv. ;
Dusky Green-blue, xx., when dry near Cinnamon Buff, xxix., or paler; Saccardo’s
Umber to Bister, xxix., when dry near Cream Colour, xvi., or Chamois, xxx.).
Gills adnate to broadly adnexed sometimes with lines running down the stem,
Jin. (6 mm.) deep, moderately close, slightly ventricose, in three series the
middle one reaching half-way to the stem, pallid smoky brown becoming brownish-
fuscous (near Natal Brown, XL., when old; Snuff Brown, xxix.; near Buffy
Olive, becoming dingier; Fuscous, xlvi.). Stem tall, 2 to 5in. (5 to 12.5 cm.),
equal or slightly attenuated upwards, rather slender, finely striate, mealy above
(iiie fibrils sometimes adherent below, base a little swollen passing sometimes

142

THE LARGER FUNGI

into a broad mass of white mycelium, stuffed with white, sometimes hollow,
cartilaginous, flesh heterogeneous from that of the pileus, pallid whitish streaked with
dark greyish-brown and often blotched with greenish blue (Prussian Green, xix.,
or a little paler; Dusky Blue Green, XX.). Closed with a cobwebby whitish veil
when young, occasionally leaving indefinite traces of a somewhat' superior ring.
Flesh of pileus whitish, of stem, becoming brownish. No smell. Spores in the
mass purplish fuscous, microscopically rather elliptical, one side flattened, dark
brown to dull purplish brown, 11 to 14 x 5.5 to 9 p. Single or gregarious,
amongst grass, once on horse-dung'. South Australia -National 1 ark, Mount
Lofty, Morialtn, Waterfall Gully. New South Wales. Victoria. April to August.
(Figure 25.)

**Gills plane, very broad behind, somewhat decurrent (Genus Obconica W.G.Sm.).

1112. Psilocybe asperospora Clel. (L., taper, rough; Gr., spom, seed). — Pileus
tin. (7.5 cm.), conico-convex, slightly gibbous, brownish and shaggy with
fascicles of fibres, these leaving later dark brown, almost black, threads on the
pileus. Gills adnate, often with a slight decurrent tooth, moderately close, dark
brown, blotchy as seen with a hand lens. Stem up to bin. (15 cm.), rather stout,
a little wavy', much fibrillose and shaggy below from the universal veil, many
fibrillae being thread-like and dark, the upper H or 2in. (3.7 to 5 cm.) finely
prui nose with minute punctate dark dots, slightly hollow, pallid with brownish
and smoky patches. In young specimens the veil may be seen rupturing; there
is no definite ring but the shaggy part of the stem, indicates where the veil
was. Spores rough, mulberry-like, oval, oblique, one end a little truncate, dark
bronze or black, 8.5 to 12 x 7 p. Densely caespitose in the hollow of an old
stump. South Australia — National Park. April.

This rather remarkable species seems to be probably a, Psilocybe. The shaggy
pileus, caespitose habit, tall stem and rough spores which become black make it
readily recognisable. Specimens were last obtained in 1917 near the upper end
of Long Gully in National Park but, though the site where they occurred lias
lieen frequently inspected since, they have not again been found. I he gills,
though showing a trace of decurrence, are not very broad behind and the species
hardly belongs to Decandtiu.

213. Psilocybe subammophila <Uel. (L., su-b, somewhat; Gr., aminos, sand;
ph-ilos, loving). — Pileus lin. (2.5 cm.), convex, subg'ibbous, sometimes slightly
striate when moist and a little rugulose and shining when dry, edge a little
turned in when young, hvgrophanous, dark brown when moist becoming near
Ginnamon Buff (xxix.). Gills adnate, slightly ventricose, moderately close,
becoming near Warm Sepia (XXIX.). Stem long, up to 3 in. (7.5 cm.), slightly
attenuated upwards, slender, fibrillose, solid, the lower half buried, thickened and
sand-encrusted, pallid with a brownish tint. Spores fuscous, elliptical oblique,
II to 13 x 5.5 to (i p, no eystidia, seen. In sandy soil. South Australia — Near
Kincliina, Henley Bench. April, May.

214. Psilocybe subuda Clel. (L., Uda, moist; subuda, here near to the species
Ps. uda (Pers.) Fr.). — -Pileus ft to lin. (1 to 2.5 cm.), ft to 9/l6in. (10 to 13 mm.)
high, eampanuluto-eonvex or hemispherical, not umbonate, viscid or slightly so,
not or rarely striate, near Isabella Colour (xxx.) or Ocliraeeous Tawny (xv.) in
the centre and Olive Ochre (XXX.) near the edge. Gills adnate, triangular,
passing straight to the stem, up to 1 1 cm. deep, moderately close, at first yellowish-
green then clouded (lark grey (Chaetura. Drab, xi.vx), edges whitish. Stem usually
2ft to Sin. (6.8 to 7.5 cm.), slender, equal, shining, sometimes slightly striate,
slightly hollow, pale brownish to yellowish brown (the colour of the pileus or
paler). No smell. Spores elliptical, dark porphyry-coloured (like the spores
of 8. stcivoraria) or purplish-brown, 13 to 19 x 8.5 to 10 p. On horse-dung and
rabbit’s dung. South Australia — Mould Compass, Myponga, National Park,
Waterfall Gully. May, duly, October.

This is evidently the dung-inhabiting species placed, more or less provisionally,
under Ps. uda (Fr.) Battallle by Kauffmpn in lbs “ Agarieaecae of Michigan.”
As the latter species grow on sphagnum, it seems better to treat the dung-
inhabiting species as distinct.

215. Psilocybe subviscida Peek.! (L., subt'isouJw, somewhat viscid). — Pileus
Jin. (15 mm.), convex, then nearly plane or a little irregular, sometimes upturned,
moist-looking, rather shiny, near Tawny to near Russet or Cinnamon Brown (XV.).
Gills adnate or very slightly sinuate, rather close, narrow, Cinnamon Brown (xv-).

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

14a

Stem 3 to lin. (1.8 to 2.5 cm.), sliglitly striate, firm, rather fibrous, hollow, very
dark brown, nearly black, below an obscure diffuse whitish superior ring, a little
paler above. When young with a well-marked whitish veil, also clothing the
stem. Spores oblique with the ends a little pointed, dark dull brown, 6.5 x 4.8 g.
South Australia — On horse dung, Mount Lofty. August.

The South Australian plants differ from Kauffman 's description of Ps. mb-
viscido in the absence of an umbo, in the gills not being subtriangular and sub-
distant and in other minor particulars. From Ps. b-ulUwea (Bull.) Fr. they
differ in the gills not being livid whitish then fuscous purple and somewhat
triangular, ill the stem being darker and in the spores not being purple. Our
species from the habitat is evidently introduced and for the present we place it
provisionally under Ps. subvwcida Peck.

216. Psilocybe musci del. et Cheek (L., museus, moss). — Pileus at first lin.
(6 mm.) high and broad, conical or convex with a marked obtuse umbo, becoming
nearly plane and gin. (10 mm.) across, hygrophanous, umbo a waxy yellow-brown,
the rest dark brownish and striate or rugose, drying from the apex to a pallid
brownish-white or tan, slightly viscid when moist, edge turned in when very
young and closed with a veil, which occasionally leaves a slight, ring on the stem
in older specimens. Gills rather distant, broad, greyish-brown to dingy dark
brown, actuate to slightly deeurrent. Stem up to 1 lin. (5.1 cm.), slender, pallid
brownish, somewhat silky striate, hollow. Plant rather tough, not fragile. Spares
porphyry tinted, 7.5 to 9 and occasionally 10.5 x 5 to occasionally 6 p. Gregarious
amongst moss on rocks in shady places. Now South Wales. South Australia — A
purple-spored species growing amongst moss on the Greenh ill Road hi July may
be this species. Julie to August.

***Gills somewhat linear, ascending.

217. Psilocybe stercicola Clel. (L., sterem, dung; colo, to dwell in). — Pileus
3/16 to (rarely) 1-Jin. (4.5 to 31 mm.), convex, subgibbous or with a small Or
acute umbo, then expanding, somewhat sticky when moist, edge ofteu striate
when moist, hygrophanous, when moist dark brown (near Front's Brown, XV.;
Bistre, xxix.; or Sepia, xxix.), when dry pale brownish (Clay Colour, XXIX. ;
Antimony Yellow, xv. ; Pinkish Buff, xxix. ; or Cinnamon Buff, xxix.). Gills
ascending, ruinate, moderately close, slightly ventricose, Fuscous (xlvi.), edges
sometimes paler. Stem up to 2in. (5 cm.) high, slender, slightly flexuose, slightly
striate, slightly mealy, sometimes with woolly mycelium at the base-, usually
hollow, sometimes stuffed, pallid with a slight brownish tint to brownish. Spores
elliptical, dark purplish brown to porphyry, 12 to 14.5 x 7 to 8 p. Always on
dung (cow or horse). South Australia — National Park, Mount Lofty, Kuitpo.
New South Wales. May, July, August.

218. Psilocybe echinata Clel. (L., , echiimhts , covered with prickles). — When
young, the pileus is nearly globular and both it and the stem are shaggy or
ech inula te from projecting fibrils which are twisted into bundles on the pileus
to form prominent granules like grains of brown sugar. Later the granules
begin to disappear but the gills are hidden by a cobwebby veil which later also
disappears. When adult, pileus about Jin. (18 null.), hemispherical then convex
to nearly plane with a small umbo, slightly fibrillose when the granules disappear,
edge inhumed when young, dark fuscous brown drying pale brown. Gills adnexed,
close, narrow, reddish-brown becoming fuscous brown. Stem 1 to IJln. (2.5 to
3.1 cm.), equal, at first clad with fibrils, then smooth, with some fluffy mycelium
at the base, somewhat hollow, pallid becoming slightly brownish. Spores ellip-
tical, oblique, bronze brown, 7 to 7.5 x -i p, Gregarious to subeaespitose at the
base of rotten stumps and adjacent ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty. June.
(Figure 24 B and C.)

The shagginess disappears when the plants become adult, and this may lead to
failure to recognise the species. The gills are hardly ascending as required in
this subsection.

II. No veil. Stem rigid. Pileus scarcely with a pellicle, but the flesh most
frequently scissOe, hygrophanous. Gills adnexed, very rarely adnate.

219. Psilocybe foenicesii (Pers. ) Fr. (L,, foeimecia, hay-harvest). — Pileus J to
1 lin. (1.2 to 3 cm.), campnnulato-convex, obtuse, smooth, sometimes slightly
rugose-striate, tending to crack when dry, dingy brown (near Snuff Brown to

THE LARGER FUNGI

144

Bistre, xxix.). Bills adnate, moderately close, slightly vcirtricose, livid brown
(near Fuscous, xlvi.), edges white. Stem 11 to 1 A in. (3.1 to 3.7 cm.), slender,
equal, fragile, at first pallid and white pulverulent, then rufescent, shining. Spores
ventrieose, one end more pointed, dark brownish-black microscopically, 9.5 to 13
x 5.5 to 7.5 ,u (British specimens 12 to 15 x 7 to 9 m)- At the free edge of the
gill is a row of small ventrieose or flask-shaped cystidia, 28 x 9 /t. Smell
moderately strong. South Australia — In buffalo grass lawn, University, Adelaide;
abundant in pastures, Port Lincoln. New South Wales. February, May.

t (Margin of pilous straight, at first adpressed to the stem.

PSATHYRA Fr.

(Gr., psathyros, fragile.)

“Pileus fleshy or submeinbranaceous, regular; margin straight, at first
adpressed to the stem. Stem central, cartilaginous. Gills adnate adnexed or
free. Spores purple, fuscous or cinereous purple; elliptical, oval or oblong
elliptical; smooth with an apical germ-pore. Cystidia present. Growing on the
ground or on wood, solitary or caespitose. ”■ — Rea.

These are delicate, fragile fungi growing on the ground or on decayed wood
with purple-brown spores, and correspond to Mycetui amongst the wliite-spored
genera. The margin of the pileus is when young straight and adpressed to the
stem, thus differing from some species of Psilocybe which otherwise may resemble
members of this genus. Very few species of Psalliyra occur in this State, only
two so far having been recognised.

220. Psathyra Sonderiana Berk. (After W. O. Souder, the Hamburg botanist,
author of the first volumes of the “Flora Oapensis”). — Pileus 4 to ljin. (1.2 to
3.7 cm.), 1 to fin. (6 to IS mm.) high, conico-convex or conic, o-campamilate or
broadly conical, then couico-expanded, rarely purely convex, usually subgibbous
or even umbonate, rugose-striate or slightly striate at the periphery when moist,
slightly atomate when dry, smooth, tending to fray at the edge, edge not turned
in when young, markedly hygrophanous, Verona Brown (xxix.), Olive Brown
(XL.) or near Bister (xxix.), drying first at the umbo through Saeeardo’s Umber
(xxix.) to opaque whitish with a biscuity tint (near Cartridge Buff (xxx.), or
Pinkish Buff (xxix.), the colour when moist sometimes obscured by delicate
interlacing whitish fibrils. Gills adnate, moderately close, rather ascending and
narrow, reaching the edge of the pileus, near Drab (xlhi.), paler and greyer
than Snuff Brown (xxix.), darker than Bister (xxix.) or near Mummy Brown
(XV.), becoming dark purplish brown (near the colour of the gills of ripe mush-
rooms or more vinaceous than Verona Brown, xxix.), edges sometimes slightly
paler and serrate. Stem 1 to -tin. (2.5 to 10 cm.), slender, equal or attenuated
upwards, sometimes flattened, a little wavy, slightly striate or fibrillose, brittle,
hollow, silky-white, flesh heterogeneous from that of the pileus. Spores dark
bronze to bronzy brown, oblique, narrow, one side more flattened, 7.5 to 11 x
4 to 5.5 n, no cystidia seen. Sometimes caespitose. On the ground, usually
amongst grass, sometimes under trees. South Australia National Park, Lncioim-
ter Bay. April, May, July, August. Plant's obtained amongst grass at Mount
Gambler in May, though presumably the same species, are smaller (up to |in.,
l.S cm.), low convex, the pileus dark brown and striate when moist, pallid whitish
when dry, spores dark bronze, one end broader, 7.5 to occasionally 9 x 4 to 5 y.

F. SPORES BLACK OR BLACKISH-FUSCOUS. MELANOSPORAE.

(a) Pileus distinct from and easily separable from the fleshy stem.

*With a ring on the stem.

ANELLARIA Karst.

(L., anellus, a little ring.)

“Pileus fleshy, campanulate. Stem central. Ring membranaceous, persistent
nr fugacious. Gills adnate or often almost free. Spores black or blackisli-
fuscous, pip-shaped or elliptical, smooth, with an apical germ-pore. Growing
on dung or on the ground. ’ ’ — Rea,

OK SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

145

No species of this genus has been so far recognised with certainty in this
State. Anellaria fimiputris (Bull.) Karst., more usually known as Pa-naeolus
fimiputris (Bull.) Fr., is common in Britain on dung, in gardens, by roadsides,
etc. Amongst the specimens — so common with us on dung — that we attribute to
Paiuwolus retirugis there is much variation depending partly on weather con-
ditions. In some the stem is readily ^parable from the pileus, there is a
tendency for the pileus to be viscid and there is a definite fugacious ring above
the middle of the stem. These approach very closely to Anellaria fimiputris, but
as we seem able to trace all gradations from them to typical P. retirugis and as
the colour of the stem is vinaceous brown rather than pallid, we attribute them
to the latter.

(h) Pileus confluent and homogeneous with the fleshy steal

*Gills decurrent, mucilaginous. Spores greenish-fuscous or blackish.

GOMPHIDIUS Fr.

(Gr,, gomphos, a large wedge-shaped nail.)

‘‘Pileus fleshy, regular, viscid. Stem central, fleshy. Gills decurrent,
mucilaginous. Spores fuscous, olivaceous or blackish; fusiform or oblong, smooth,
continuous. Cystidia cylindrical, projecting. Growing on the ground.’’ — Rea.
No species yet recorded in Australia.

*Gills actuate or sinun.to -adnate.
t Margin, of pileus at first incurved or exceeding the gills.

PAN AEOLUS Fr.

(Gr., pangiolos, all variegated.)

“Pileus slightly fleshy, regular, viscid or dry, margin exceeding the gills.
Gills adnate or adnexed, variegated wit'll the dark spores. Spores black or
fuscous black; elliptical, oblong ovate, boat shaped or almond shaped; with an
apical germ-pore. Cystidia present. Growing on dung and rich soil, solitary
or caespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

The species of Panaeolus are not numerous. Only four have been recognised in
this State, but one of these is exceedingly common on dung. The species are mostly
dung-inhabiting and have more or less conieo-campanulate or deeply convex caps,
ascending clouded gills, slender stems and black spores usually with the ends
constricted. Species of Panaeolws, gathered in mistake for mushrooms, are said
to have given rise to symptoms of poisoning in other countries.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Pileus and stem white or whitish, large. On dung . . 221. Pmmeohis ovatus.
Pileus hemispherical to conico-convex, smoky brown
to pale grey, usually with reticulations and often
with veil fragments round the edge. Stem striate,
rather mealy, pallid vinaceous brownish. On dung 222. P. retirugis.

I’ileus broadly conical with a dark zone near the edge
when moist, light buff when dry. Gills adnate. Stem

fuscous. Spores 14 to' 15 x 8 to 9 p 223. P. avummatus.

Pileus conico-hemispherical, expanding, umber brown
drying paler with a dark zone. Gills adnexed. Stem
dark brown below. Spores 10 to 31 x 7.5 p. in
swampy soil 224. P. palucbsus.

146

THE LARGER FUNGI

*Pileus viscid, shining when dry.

221. Pan,aeolus ovatus Cke. et Mass. (L., ovatus, egg-shaped). — Pilous up to
3fin. (8.7 cm.), convex, subgibbous, opaque, rimosely cracking when dry, with
the edge intumed, viscid when moist, white becoming slightly tinted with brown.
Gills adnate, close, up to fin. (9 mm.) deep, clouded grey, the edges white and
finely serrated. Stem 4J,in. (11.2 cm.), fin. (9 mm.) or more thick, equal, base
a little bulbous, striate, solid, white with a tendency to brown staining. Spores
black, lemon-shaped with pointed ends, 13 to 19 x 8.5 to 12 ja. On dung cr
manured soil. South Australia — Adelaide, McLaren Vale. New South Wales.
Victoria. February, April.

Readily recognised by its pure white cap, later with brownish tints, grey
clouded gills which do not deliquesce, the black spores and its habitat on dung.

**Pileus moist, opaque, bibulous, subfloceulose when dry.

222. Pan,aeolus retirugis Fr. (L., rete, a net; rufffi, a wrinkle). — Pileus J to
2in. (1.2 to 5 cm.), f to lin. (1.8 to 2.5 cm.) high, globose, then hemispherical
or conico-convex or conico-campanulate, fleshy, usually more or less reticulate
with raised ribs, sometimes with torn fragments of the veil round the edge,
flesh tan colour, smoky brown, near Buff Brown (XL.) or qale grey, sometimes
pallid. Gills adnate, ascending, clouded dark grey with white edges. Stem up
to 2in. (5 cm.), sometimes more (up to aim, 12.5 cm.), slender, pruinose, striate
above, sometimes slightly hollow, vinaceous brown to brown with a purplish
tint (Wood Brown t'o Army Brown, xl.). Flesh thin. Spores lemon-shaped with
indrawn ends, black, 14 to occasionally 19 x 8.5 to 11 jx. On dung. South
Australia — Adelaide district, Encounter Bay, Port Elliot, Port Lincoln. New
South Wales. April to October. (Figure 26.)

[Drawing by E.R.G.

Figure 26. — Panaeolus retirugis Fr. (No. 222). On dung,
paddock near Adelaide.

(!F SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

147

This is a very common species on dung, characterised by the greyish-brown,
conico-campanulate pileus, often reticulated with lines and with appendiculate
remains of the veil round the edge, the ascending grey clouded gills with black
spores and the non-deliquescence of the gills. Considerable variation is met with,
partly due to weather conditions such as moisture. Some specimens show the
pileus readily separable from the stem, a tendency for the pileus to be sticky
and a fugacious ring above the middle of the stem. These approach Anellaria
fimiputris in these characters.

***Pileus dry, smooth, slightly shining, not zoned.
Xo species yet recorded for South Australia.

****Pileus dry, smooth, zoned round the margin.

223. Panaeolus acuminatus Fr. (L., acunmntus, pointed). — Pileus lfin. (3.5
cm.), fin. (10 mm.) high, broadly conical, not definitely acuminate (in our
specimens), slightly rivulose, opaque, when dry near Light Buff (XV.), when
moist with a broad darker band near the margin, margin slightly incurved.
Gills adnate, slightly ascending, rather close, many short, narrow (about 3 mm.),
blackish with whitish margins. Stem 2]in. (5.6 cm.), slender, substriate, pallid
and slightly mealy above, fuscous brown below, base slightly thickened, slightly
hollow, flesh brownish. Flesh of pilous thin, pale brownish. Spore mass black,
spores microscopically black or blackish, lemon-shaped, 14 t'o 15 x 8.5 to 9 p.
Ill garden. South Australia — Adelaide Hospital grounds. October.

The Australian plant seems to differ from the. British ones in the pileus though
broadly conical not being definitely acuminate and in the margin of the pileus
not being at first crenulate.

The species can be recognised by the broadly conical caqi, broader than that of
P. retirugis and not approaching a hemispherical shape, by the black gills and
the dark zone near the edge when moist.

224. Panaeolus paludosus del. (L., pialudosus, belonging to a swamp). — Pileus
I Jin. (4.3 cm.), conieo-hemisphei'ieal, then more expanded to convex, often with
an obtuse umbo, smooth, surface dull, slightly rivulose, edge turned in when
young, dark umber brown drying paler and warmer from the centre so that a
dark peripheral ring may be present. Gills adnexed, moderately close, deeply
ventricose, clouded grey. Stem up to 44in. (11.2 cm.), slender, a little flexuous,
somewhat pruinose, slightly libiil lose, slightly hollow, dark brown below, paler
above, slightly pruinose white at the base. Cartilaginous flesh of the stem
different in texture from that of the pileus. Spore mass black, spores micros-
copically blackish, the ends constricted (lemon-shaped), 10 to 13 x 7.5 to 9 p.
In swampy soil. South Australia — Mount Compass, Upper Tuukalilla Creek, near
Mount Burr (S.B.). April to June.

tt Margin of the pileus straight, at first adpressed to the stem.

PSATHYRELLA Fr.

(Diminutive of Psfithyra.)

“Pileus fleshy or submembranaeeous, regular; margin straight, at first
adpressed to the stem. Stem central, confluent with the pileus. Gills adnate or
free. Spores black or fuscous black, elliptical or oval, smooth, with an apical
germ-pore. Cystidia present'. Growing on the ground or on wood; solitary or
caespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

The species of Psalliip-elki are smlall, rather delicate, thin-capped mushrooms,
often suggesting Copriims in appearance but with the gills not deliquescing.
Features which distinguish them from Panaeolus are the striate pileus, the non-
variegat'ed gills and the margin of the pileus not exceeding the gills. Two
species have been recognised in South Australia. One of these, Ps. Svtscminata,
is not uncommon in dense masses on the ground usually near decaying wood.
The other is found in grassy places.

14b

THE LARGER FUNGI

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Single or sulteaespito.se.

Drying opaque whitish, with anastomosing striae.

Stem white. Spores large, 15 x 8 M 225. PstlthyreUa

Densely gregarious and caespitose. subprona.

Pallid or yellowish becoming greyish brown.

ribbed, with a disc. Stem white. Spores bronzy-

brown microscopically, r x 4 to 5 y 226. Pi', disseminata.

225. Psathyrella subprona del. <L.. pro-nun, bending downwards; subpronus.
here close to the species Pa. promt Fr.) . — Pileus § to lin. 1 1 to 2.5 cm. j. t to
din. (1 to 1.2 cm.) high, conico-campanulate with an acute apex, broadly conical,
or sometimes conico-convex or almost campanulate, usually rather gibbous,
expanding a little, with tine anastomosing striae or slightly venosely rugulose.
hygrophanous, darker than Olive Brown (XL.), drying near Cartridge Buff (XXX. ,.
Gills ascending (apparently sometimes almost triangular), aduate, moderately
close, narrow. Fuscous (xlvi. i or greyish fuscous, edges pale. Stem 1 to 2iu.
(2.5 to 5 cm.), slender, equal, slightly mealy, then polished, slightly hollow,
somewhat brittle, white. Flesh thin, pallid, that of the stem different in texture
from the llesh of the pileus. Spores elongated, rather narrow, very dark fuscous
or bronze approaching blackish, 11.5 to 15 x 6 to S y. Cystidia not seen. Single
or gregarious, on the ground, amongst grass or sometimes attached to buried
grass stems or sticks, or on rich manured soil. South Australia — Encounter Bay,
Beaumont. Fullarton. Horroeks Pass near Wilmington, Port Lincoln, Mount
Gauthier. May to September.

226. Psathyrella disseminata iPers.) Fr. i L., disxcminatux, spread abroad). —
Pileus up to Jin. (1.2 cm.), membranaceous, conico-eampauulate, oval or convex,
ribbed near the apex which is flattened and pallid white, the rest of the pileus

Figure 27. — Psatht/iella dimtpm.hiatn (Pers.) Fr. (No. 226).
National Park.

at first pallid or vellowish becoming greyish brown, covered with a few shining
scurfy particles. Gills adnate, moderately distant, linear, whitish then dark
brown with a purplish tint. 8tem lin. (2.5 cm.) or a little more, slender, silky

shining, pure white, hollow. Spore mass a dark neutral tint, not pure black;

spores microscopically a dark bronzy-brown, one end trunate, 5.5 to 7 to (occa-
sionally) 10.7 x 8.5 to 5.3 ii. Densely gregarious or caespitose on the ground
often near old stumps. South Australia — At the base of Eitpahjptus rostmtu
Sc-lil., Botanic Gardens, Adelaide; Waterfall Gully; National Park: Encounter
Bay; Caroline and Blanche Forests (S.E.). New South Wales. Britain, ete.
April to June. (Figure 27.)

This species is readily recognised by its densely crowded habit on the ground,
the colour of the pilei and gills and the fragile stems. It is only likely to be

mistaken for the larger Coprinvs micaceus, also densely caespitose and always

found near decaying posts, stumps, etc.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

140

2. Receptacle fleshy, trama vesiculose and traversed hy laticiferous vessels.
Spores white or yellow.

A. Lal'ex watery, imcoloured.

RUSSULA Fv.

(L., russulus, reddish.)

“Pilous fleshy, regular. Stem central, fleshy. Gills adnate, sinuato-adnate,
adnexed, free or decurrent , rigid, fragile, edges acute. Spores white or yellow,
rarely greenish : globose, subglobose or elliptical; echinulate, verrueose, sub-
reticulate or with anastomosing ridges and spines; continuous. Cystidia present
or absent. Growing on the ground, rarely on wood.” — Rea.

In the genera Russula- and Lactarkts, the trama or fleshy substance of the
pileus is found microscopically to be composed mostly of large vesiculose or
bladder-like cells. As a consequence of their architecture, the plants are more
or less rigid hut brittle, a point that is helpful in distinguishing them in the
held from other agarics. Lactarkts exudes from its rigid gills and substance a
milky or coloured juice when broken, whereas there is no such juice in Smssula.
The spores in both genera are spherical or approach this shape, are in most cases
definitely rough or winded, and are white or yellowish. In Russula, brilliant
colours are often present, some of our most beautiful species showing shades of
purple, crimson, rosy pink, green, blue or yellow; others are whitish nr brownish
and some of the white species are characterised by turning blackish as they dry.
In some species the cap is viscid when moist, and often the cutjele can be
readily peeled off. Striatums, which may be tuberculate, mav he present near
the edge of the pileus. The rigid gills may he forked and the interspaces may
he veined; they may nearly all Vie of the same length or alternately long and
short; their shape at the two ends may be characteristic of species. The stem
is usually whitish, rigid and stout. The taste may vary from intensely acrid
to mild.

Species of Russula are relatively common in the Mount Lofty Ranges, R. Marine
having a beautiful crimson to purplish pileus and a rosy stem with whitish gills,
and R. p-urpitreo-flava being similarly tinted but with yellow gills. Whitish and
brown species are less common. Many species of Russula are edible but so far
the Australian species have not been tested. All our South Australian forms are
mild in taste hut doubtless acrid ones will later be found.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

l’ileus milk white with rusty stains 227. Russula delicti.

Pileus opaque white then pale smoky brown. Gills
adnate, very close. Stem white. Flesh drying

black 221). R. udusta.

Pileus white or slightly brownish, large. Gills adnate
to subdecurrent, creamy white becoming rufeseent.

Emerging from the soil 227A. R. rrutnptutx.

Pileus huff-coloured.

Pileus pinkish fawn, reddish-orange or buff-

orange. Stem reddish-brown to pinkish buff . . 22, S. R. Flacldtmac.

Pileus warm buff. Stem white 231. R. Cheelii.

Pileus pallid brownish-white with greyish -green blotches. 230. R. cyafUOmn-tlui.
Pileus yellowish-brown, edge tubercular-striate. Stem

white. Taste becoming slightly peppery 232. R. pectinatoid.es.

Pileus pallid blotched with brownish-vermilion .. .. 233. R. xcranupelina.
Pileus purplish to crimson. Taste mild.

Stem rosy.

Gills white or cream 234. R. Marine.

Gills yellow 236. R. purpureo-flava.

Stem white 235. R. persanguiuea.

Pileus with greenish tints 237. R. viridis.

150

THE LARGER FUNGI

I, I ’ileus fleshy throughout, margin more or less involute, pellicle slightly
developed, dry, adnate. Flesh compact, firm. Gills unequal, alternate.
Spores whif». in the mass.

*Flesh not changing colour, gills narrow, dec-urrent.

227. Russula delica Fr. (L., delious, weaned). — Pileus 2 to 3in. (5 to 7.5 cm.),
usually irregular, more or less convex, with the centre depressed, surface dull,
milk white with rusty stains appearing or diffusely blotched with Sayal Brown
(xxix.) or tinted with Cinnamon Buff (xxix. ). Gills adnate or adnato-deeurreut,
moderately close, occasionally forking near the stem and with short' gills or
buttresses near the periphery, narrow, cream-coloured with a slight buffy tint.
■Stem short, J to ljin. (1.8 to 3.1 c-m.), § to lin. (16 to 25 mm.) thick, nearly
equal, surface dull, pure white tending to become brownish or Sayal Brown below.
Flesh white, brownish where insect-eaten, attenuated outwards in the pileus.
Taste slightly acrid. Spores in the mass with a faint cream tint, microscopically
warty, 7.5 x 5.5 n, 9 x 7.5 /i. No cysticlia detected on the pileus. South Aus-
tralia — Mount Lofty (sometimes under trees), Second Valley Forest Reserve,
Fncounter Bay, Kalangadoo (S.E.). March to July.

The species may be recognised by the dull milk-white pileus which does not
become dark in colour on drying but often shows rusty stains.

227 a . Russula erumpens Clef et Cheel. (L., erumpem, bursting out). — Pileus
up to Jin. (7.5 cm.), depressed to infundibuliform, surface dull, pure white or
with a dirty brown tint. Gills adnate, from depression of the pileus with rather
a decurrent tooth, crowded, creamy white, rufeseent when old. Stem It to 2m.
(5.1 to 5 cm.), i to Jin. (1.2 to 1.8 cm.) thick, sometimes a little excentric, stout,
equal, dull not polished, solid, white or slightly brown tinted below. Flesh white,
taste mild. Spores spherical or slightly oval, vemieose, pale rust coloured, 7 m.
s.5 x 7 ft. Emerging covered with soil. New South Wales — Neutral Bay, Milson
Island. South Australia. — Eagle-on-the-HilL April, October, November' (Plate
V. Top figure.)

This species may perhaps belong to section II.

228. Russula Flocktonae CM. et Cheel. (After -Miss -Margaret L. Flockton,
Artist, Botanic Gardens, Sydney).- — Pileus up to 4iu. (10 cm,), irregularly convex,
then depressed, pale pinkish-fawn, pale yellowish-brown, dull reddish orange or
a i\ id velvety buff-orange. Gills adnate, moderately to widely separate, occasionally
bifurcating, interspersed with short ones, pure white becoming darker and
] 'ramose from the spores. Stem 1 to ljin. (2.5 to 3.7 c-m.), stout, sometimes
attenuated downwards, solid, reddish-brown to pinkish-buff. Substance white.

1 aste mild, occasionally slightly peppery. Spores elliptical, occasionally more
spherical, warty, S.a to 10.8 x 7 to 8.5 n- New South Wales. April to June.
(Plate V. Bottom figure.)

Specimens, apparently of this species, have been collected at Mount Lofty in
Apiil. The pileus was near Cinnamon Buff (xxix.), sometimes Auburn (n.) in
the centre, the stem becoming brownish below or Light' Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.),
microscopically with fine hairs on the pileus, spores warty, 7.5 to 9 fi. The
species seems to belong to this section.

**Flesh becoming black.

229. Russula adusta Fr. (L., adust us, scorched). — Pileus up to- 3in. (7.5 cm.),
convex with the centre depressed, finally concave, pellicle slightly separable,
sm face dull, edge turned in when young, pure opaque white becoming pale smoky
blown oi scorched-looking. Gills adnate to subdecurrent, very close and narrow,
sometimes forked, shorter ones interspersed at the periphery, creamy-coloured
with later a dingy tint. Stem 1 to 21in. (2.5 to 6.2 cm.), moderately slender to
stout (to more than lin., 2.5 cm., thick), nearly equal, subfibrillose,' pure white
(like whitewash) becoming smoky tinted. Flesh firm, whitish with a dingy tint,
ill ling daik, attenuated outwards in the pileus. Taste mild. Spores spherical,
white, slightly warty, 5.5 to 8 n. No cystidia detected on the pileus. South
Australia — Under trees, Mount Lofty. March, June.

[By courtesy of Government Printer, N.S.W.

PLATE V.

Russula erumpens Clel. et Cheel (No. 227A).

Russula Mariae Peck. (No. 234). Russula purpureo-flava Clel. (No. 236).

Russula Flocktonae Clel. et Cheel (No. 228).

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

151

There are several European and American species 'which resemble eaeli other
in becoming dark when drying. In 11. nigricans Fr, the gills are distant to
subdistunt and the white flesh turns reddish when bruised and then blackish.
In It. densifolui Seer., the gills are actuate to subdecurrent and close and the
greyish-white flesh as well as the whitish stem become reddish when bruised and
then blackish, h. sordida Peck has whitish flesh which becomes blackish without
a reddish stage, a whitish stem becoming black when handled, and close adnate
to subdeeurrent gills, li. adusta Fr. has flesh which does not change on bruising,
close adnate to subdecurrent gills and a white stem becoming sooty-grey. The
Australian plant seems best referred to the latter.

11. Pellicle of the pileus dry, adnate, rarely possessing eystidia, usually
breaking up into flocc-i, granules or areolae. Margin rounded, rarely
striate, not involute. Uill.s with a very broad, rounded apex. Spores
whitish creamt- colour in mass.

Xo South Australian species recorded.

III. I elliele of tin 1 pileus viscid, separable at the margin and possessing
eystidia. Margin subacute, rarely striate in old age. Flesh firm.
Taste mild. Gills attenuated in front, often forked and unequal.
Spores verrueose, small, white in the mass.

-30. Russula, cy.anozantha (Schaeff.) Fr.? (Gr„ hyams, blue; mnthos. yellow).
— Pileus 2 Jin. (5.6 cm.), upturned, pallid brownish- white with dull greyish -green
blotches. Gills adnate, moderately close, cream. Stem 1 in. (2.5 eni.), stout,
attenuated downwards, slightly rough, white. Taste mild. Spores subspliericah
slightly warty, 6 to 7 g. On the ground. South Australia — Mount Lofty. April.'

There is doubt as to whether this Australian plant is rightly referred to
this species.

2.11. Russula Cheelii Clel. (After Edwin Cheel, Curator of the Herbarium
Botanic Gardens, Sydney) .—Pileus 3in. (7.5 cm.), convex with a central depres-
sion, then upturned, viscid when moist, edge slightly rugose. Warm Buff (xv. ).
Gills adnate, close, often forked near the stem, with occasional short ones at' the
pel iphery, narrow, attenuated both ways, cream-coloured becoming a little spotted.
Stem 24m. (6.2 cm,.), tin. (2.1 cm.) thick above, nearly equal or slightly
attenuated downwards, surface matt, slightly striate, stuffed, white. Taste mild
Spores pear-shaped, warty, 8.5 x 6.5 g. South Australia— Kuitpo. May.

This species probably belongs to this section though eystidia have not been
recorded on the pileus.

1 \ . I elliele of the pileus viscid, more or less separable, possessing evstidia,

\ ell o wish, oeliraceous or brownish, sometimes olivaceous brown, never
red or violet. Margin straight, more or less striate, subacute. Taste
acrid. Spores pure white or cream.

232._ Russula pectinatoides Peck (!>., pecten, a comb; Gr., eidos, like). — Pileus
-m. (•-> cm.), concave, surface dull, edge tubercular striate, yellowisli-brown. Gills
tapering oft towards the stem and barely reaching it, moderately close 5mm
deep externally, pallid becoming dingy buff. Stem 1 Jin. (2.8 cm.), stout’ (4in.

i°?'’ thi . ek >» ® qua1 ’ su bfibrillose, white. Flesh attenuated outwards. Taste
mild becoming slightly peppery. Spores angular and rough, 9 u 11 x 8 5 «
South Australia— Mount Lofty. New South Wales. United States of America!

** ***>■

. Pellicle of the pileus viscid, more or less separable, possessing numerous
eystidia, purplish. Margin straight, acute, somewhat striate. Gills
"lore or less unequal and forked, generally narrow and acutely
attenuated m front, often adnate. Flesh firm. Taste acrid Spores
white c-ream or oeliraceous yellow in mass.

Xo South Australian species recorded.

152

THE LARGER FUNGI

VI. Pel licit- of the pilous viscid, generally separable, possessing numerous

eystidia, red or purple. Margin rounded, generally striate. Flesh
fragile. Taste acrid. Gills generally equal, fragile, rounded in front,
free. Spores pure white, rarely cream-white in mass.

[232a. Russula fragilis Fr. (L., fnu/ilis, fragile), — Pileus tin. (2.5 cm.),
depressed in the centre, edge Slightly striate, deep crimson. Gills adnate, close,
white. Stem Him (3.7 cm.), Jin. (<i mm.) thick, slightly tibrouslv striate, solid,
white. Flesh reddish under the cuticle. Taste acrid. Spores spherical to oval,
warty, 9 to 10 g. New South Wales — Sydney. June, July. (Plate IV. Bottom
right figure.)

This species resembles R. permnguinm del. but is usually smaller and is
definitely acrid. |

VII. Pellicle of the pileus viscid, separable, possessing eystidia, variously

coloured. Margin rounded, generally striate. Flesh fragile. Gills
equal, fragile, rounded in front, free or somewhat free. Spores cream
ochraceous or yellow ochraceous in mass (rarely whitish yellow in
mass, but then the taste is mild or only slightly acrid when young
and the pileus is never red).

* Flesh becoming black, taste mild or slightly acrid when young.
\’o South Australian species recorded.

**Flesh not becoming black, taste mild or somewhat acrid when young.

233. Russula xerampelina (Rchaeff.) Fr. (Or., xerampelinox, of the colour of
withered vine-leaves). — Pileus up to ;Uin. (8.7 cm.), irregular, rather depressed
in the centre, splitting and cracking, pallid whitish, blotched with bright brownish
vermilion. Gills adnate, moderately close, sometimes forking, occasionally in
deformed specimens forming irregular pores near the stem, pale huffy white.
Stem 2iim ((1.2 cm.), 1 Ain. (3.7 cm.) thick above, stout, attenuated downwards,
root rather conical, fibrously striate, white with tinges of pink. Flesh solid,
white, rather rigid. Slight smell. Taste mild. Spores warty, pale ochraceous
tinted microscopically, S.5 to 10.5 g. Partly buried under soil. South Australia —
Mount Lofty. April.

234. Russula Mariae Peek. (Named by Dr. Charles H. Peck, New York State
Botanist, after his wife Mary). — Pileus usually up to 2in. (5 cur.), sometimes
to 4iin. (11.2 cm.), nearly plane, the centre depressed, edge striate, slightly
viscid, the cuticle peeling leaving tints of red beneath, purplish to crimson
( Vinaeeous Purple, Slate Purple to Vinaeeous Lake, xliv.j Dark Purple Drab,
xlV.; near Diamine Brown, xm.; Dark Vinaeeous Grey, l.; Garnet Brown, i;
in the centre surrounded by Nepal Red, x.) usually somewhat irregularly dis-
tributed, paler in places and towards the periphery. Gills adnate, moderately
close, sometimes forked at their junction with the stem, narrowed internally,
equal, pure white to creamy white, edges rarely finely serrate and with pink tints.
Stem up to 24in. (6.2 cm.), slender to stout, slightly striate, solid or tending
to be excavated in the centre, more or less extensively tinted or punctate with
Light Corinthian Red (xxvn.), near Old Rose (xm.), Deep Purplish Vinaeeous
(xijv.), or Flesh Pink to Coral Pink (xm.) or sometimes pure white (?). Flesh
narrowed outwards. Taste injild. Spores subspherical, warty, nearly white,
7.. i to 9.o n, 9.2 to 19.4 x 7.8 to 8.5 /i. South Australia- — Mount: Lofty, National
Park, Upper Tuukalilla ('reek, Kuitpo. New South Wales. United States of
Amjerica. March, Aipril, June, July. (Plate V. Left figure.)

Tn the description given by C. 14. Peck, in New York State Museum, Bulletin
116, Botany 10, 1907, the pileus is described as pruinose or minutely pulverulent.
Peck gives coloured illustrations of his S. Marine in Bulletin 75, Botany 7, 1904.

235. Russula persanguinea Clel. (L., persangmneus, very blood-red). — Pileus
1( to Tin. (3 to 10 cm.), slightly convex with the centre depressed, finallv some-
times slightly upturned, usually slightly striate to tuberculo-rugose 'at the
periphery, edge rather rounded, pellicle peels, viscid when moist, Garnet Brown
(i.), Nepal Red (i.), Claret Brown (l), Dragon’s Blood Red (xm.), Brick Red
(xm.) or Pompeian Bed (xm.), i.e., tints near blood red. Gills adnexed,

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

153

attenuated towards the stem, equal, rarely forked, sometimes showing venose
cross-connections, rather narrow (lin., 6 mm., deep), close, pure white, later
with a creamy tint. Stem 11 to Sin. (3.7 to 5 cm.), stout, smooth to slightly
striate or rugose, slightly attenuated upwards or downwards or equal, sometimes
flattened, solid or sometimes hollow, pure white. Flesh thin, slightly coloured
under the cuticle, fragile. Taste mild or with a very slight peppery taste. Spores
warty, white, 7.5 to 11 p, 9 x 7.5 p. Cystidia on the pileus sometimes numerous,
acuminate with broad bases, 19 to 38 x 7.5 p. South Australia — Mount Lofty,
Morialta. March to July.

••♦Flesh not becoming black, taste distinctly acrid.

No South Australian species recorded.

VTII. Pellicle of the pileus viscid, separable, destitute of cystidia. Margin
rounded, generally striate. Flesh fragile. Taste mild, rarely acrid.
Gills equal or subequal, rounded in front, somewhat free. Spores
whitish cream to yellow ochre, rarely pure white.

[From watercolour by Hiss Buxton.

Figure 28. — Russula purpureo-llttva Clel. (No. 236). Mount Lofty. Reduced by 3 .

236. Russula purpureo-flava Clel. (L., purpureus, purple; flav-us, light yellow.
In reference to the colours of the pileus and the gills). — Pileus up to 2 jin.
(5.8 cm.), somewhat irregular and slightly depressed, slightly sticky, cuticle
peeling, Jasper Red (xm.) to purplish-red and very dark purplish-brown

(Pompeian Red, xm.; near Mars Violet, xxxvu. ; in parts sometimes near Dark

Vinaceous Purple, xxxvin.; occasionally with yellowish-brown paler areas). Gills
udnate, moderately close, rather narrow, attenuated both ways, near Naples
Yellow to Mustard Yellow (XVI.) or Maize Yellow to Buff Yellow (iv.). Stem
Ij-in. (3.7 cm.), fin. (1(1 mm.) thick above, equal or attenuated downwards,

surface a little rough, pithy, pale yellowish with rosy tints to rosy (Coral Pink,
xm.), yellowish towards the base. Flesh white with yellow tinges, thin,

attenuated outwards. Taste mild. Spores microscopically slightly tinted to
yellowish, subspherical pear-shaped, 7.5 to 10 p, 8 to 8.5 x 6.5 to 7 p. No
cystidia detected on the pileus. South Australia — Mount Lofty. Stirling West,
KuiCpo, Tweedvale, Kalangadoo (S.K.). New South Wales — Ryde near Sydney.
March to July. (Plate V. Right figure.) (Figure 28.)

THE LARGER FUNGI

154

237. Russula viridis del. (L., viridis, green), — Pileus up t'o 2 to 2Jin. (5 to
6.2 cm.), convex, slightly depressed in the centre, surface dull, edge not striate,
margin nearly straight, pellicle separable, probably slightly sticky when moist,
tints of Grape Green in the centre becoming Lincoln Green (xll), at the
periphery passing into pallid greyish-green and nearly white or near Yetiver
Green (xlvu.) and paler or darker in places. Gills equal, fading off somewhat
as the swollen apex of the stem is reached, moderately close, Harrow, sometimes
forked near the stem, creamy white. Stem 14 to IJin. (3.7 to 4.4 cm.), Jin.
(16 mm.) thick, slightly rugose, swollen below and attenuated upwards or equal,
solid, white. Flesh fragile, white. Taste mild. No smell. Spores spherical
pear-shaped, finely warty, nearly pure white but slightly tinted cream, 7.5 to
9 x 5.5 to 6.5 /x. Apparently no cystidia on the pileus. On the ground. South
Australia — Mount Lofty. March, June.

Russula Marine Peck, in its Australian form, perhaps belongs more properly to
this section.

B. Latex milk-white or coloured, rarely like serum.

LACTARIUS Fr.

(L., lae, milk.)

“Pileus fleshy, regular. Stem central, rarely exeentrie, fleshy. Gills ndnate
or decurrent, somewhat rigid, milky, acute at the edge. Spores white or yellowish,
rarely pinkish in the mass; globose, subglobose, or elliptical; echinulate, verru-
cose, punctate or reticulate; continuous. Cystidia present or absent. Growing-
on the ground, more rarely on wood; solitary or eaespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

1. Stem central. Gills unchangeable, naked, not changing colour and not
pruinose. Milk at the first white, (commonly) acrid.

No South Australian species recorded.

II. Stem central. Gills naked. Milk always deeply coloured.

No South Australian species recorded.

111. Stem central. Gills pallid, then changing colour, afterwards darker,
glancing when turned to the light, at length white pruinose. Milk
at the first white, mild, or mild becoming acrid.

238. Lactarius Clarkei del. (After Miss Phyllis Clarke, now Mrs. North, who
painted many admirable watercolours of New South Wales fungi). — Pileus 2 to
5in. (5 to 12.5 cm.), convex, then with the centre depressed or sometimes becoming
infundibuliform, a little wavy or sometimes coarsely rugose, surface dull and
finely felted, edge inturned when young, Ochraceous Bull to Light Ochraceous
Buff (XV.), between Ochraceous Buff and Ochraceous Salmon (xv.), or near
Cinnamon or Cinnamon Buff (xxrx.). Gills adnate, moderately close to somewhat
distant, narrow (5 mm. deep), rather thick, sometimes forking near the stem or
forking and anastomosing at the periphery, whitish or buffy cream becoming
spotted and discoloured brown. Stem short, J to IJin. (1.8 to 4.3 cm.), stout
(4 to 1 in., 1.2 to 2.5 cm.), equal or sometimes attenuated downwards, surface
matt, solid, equal, often exeentrie, Ochraceous Buff (xv.), sometimes whitish.
Flesh white, Jin. (10 mm.) thick near the stem, attenuated outwards, becoming
brownish when old. Taste mild. Milk white. Spores warty or slightly angular,
oval to subspherical, 9 x 7.5 g, 6.5 to 8 g. No cystidia seen. South Australia- —
Mount Lofty, Greenliill Road, National Park. New South Wales — Bradley’s Head.
March, April, June, July. (Plate VI.)

The species in general appearance resembles Russula Floehionae del. et Clieel.
differing in the possession of a milk.

239. Lactarius seriftuus (DC.) Fr. (L., serum, lymph; plus, flowing). — Pileus
up to 1 Ain. (3.7 cm.), at first convex with a small acute umbo, then slightly
infundibuliform, occasionally a little zonate, edge incurved when young, moist-
looking, rather dark reddish-brown. Gills adnate, moderately close, at first pallid
with a faint biscuit-coloured tint, finally reddish-brown and a little more tawny

[Watercolour by Miss P. Clarke.

PLATE VI.

Lactarius Clarkei Clel. (No. 238). Bradley’s Head, Sydney.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

than the pileus. Stem 2in. (o cm.), moderately stout, slightly attenuated upwards,
solid, the colour of the pileus. Spores subspherical, warty, apparently faintly
tinted, 7.5 to 8.5 ft. South Australia — Mount Lofty. New' South Wales. June.
(Plate IV. Left lower figure.)

IV. Stem excentric or lateral. Growing on trunks.
No South Australian species recorded.

3. Receptacle membranaceous or fleshy membranaceous, fragile, rapidly
putrescent or shrivelling up or drying rigid and friable.

A. Spores ochraceous or ferruginous.

BOLBITIUS Fr.

(Gr., bolbiton, dung, especially cow-dung.)

“Pileus membranaceous, regular. Stem central, not confluent with the pileus.
lulls free or slightly adnate, acute at the edge. Spores ochraceous, ferruginous,
fuscous or salmon colour; elliptical, elliptic oblong or almond-shaped; smooth;
with an apical germ-pore. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on dung or on
rich soil. ’ ’ — Rea.

The species are delicate, putrescent fungi with ochraceous or rusty spores and
gills which tend to deliquesce in wet weather and rapidly shrivel up in dry. They
resemble species of Galem in appearance, differing in the tendency for the .gills
to deliquesce, in which feature they approach Ooprinus. The genus PUtteoliis is
also closely related differing in the gills being free and the stem being readily
separable from the pileus. The pileus in Boibitim is thin, the stem elongated
and hollow. The species grow on dung or rich soil.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OP BOLBITIUS AND PLUTEOLUS.

Pileus more or less bright yellow. Gills deliquescing
or rapidly shrivelling.

Pileus large ( 1 4 to 3in.), lemon-chrome to mustard
yellow, fleshy. Gills yellowish, then watery
brown. Stem yellowish.' Spores 13 to 17 x 7.5

to 1,1 P . 240. Both it ius Bolt uni.

Pileus 1 to 2in., egg-yellow, submembrnnaceous,
sulcate-striat'e, obtuse umbo. Gills ochraceous,
then ferruginous. Stem white or slightly yellow.

Spores 12 to 14 x 7 to 8 /i . . *B. vitellinus.

Pileus 1 to 2in., pale yellow, disc elevated, margin
striate. Gills white, then yellow, then dusky
brown. Stem yellow. Spores 10 x 6 /t . . *B. flaviclus.

Pileus smaller, up to 1 in., light yellow, umbo
deeper, submembranaceous, edge striate. Gills
yellow, then pale cinnamon. Stem yellow.

Spores 11 to 13 x 6 to 7 ft .. 241. B. fragihs.

1 ileus pale pinkish buff. Gills not deliquescing or
rapidly shrivelling.

Gills free. Stem whitish. Spores 10.5 to 13 x

s 118. Plutrolus

eoprophilus.

BMitius Vitellmus (Pers.) Fr. anti B. flavidus (Bolt.) Masses have not yet -been
recognised in this State.

240 Bolbitius Bolton! (Pers.) Fr. (After James Bolton, the English

iwTii ' 1 lleUS t( > 3ll >- (3.8 t'o 7.5 cm.), conico-campanulate or hemis-

pherical, then convex, finally expanded and nearly plane, very viscid, smooth or

THE LARGER KI'XGI

156

with some innate fibrils, edge sometimes striate, flesh thin, near Lemon Chrome
(iv.), or Mustard Yellow (XVI.) to Primuline Yellow (xvi.), when old becoming
near Yellow Ochre (xv.), or Light Cadmium in the centre with the periphery
paler, or Empire Yellow (iv.) becoming browner near Pinkish Buff (xxix.), or
approaching egg-vellow or yellow with a brownish tinge. Gills just reaching the
stem or nearly free, short ones at the periphery, close, narrow (] to Jin., (5 to
12 mm., deep), pallid or pale yellowish, then dingy salmon or watery brown,
soon near Sudan Brown (ill.) becoming near Argus Brown (nr.), or near Cinna-
mon Brown (xv.). Stem 1 to iiiin. (2.5 to 8 cm.), slender to moderately stout
(up to Jin., 1.2 cm., thick), rather fragile, equal or attenuated upwards, slightly
(i b r ill ose to markedly fibrillose-llocculoxe to pruiuose or mealy, hollow, whitish
usually with faint tinges of yellow above, the flesh usually slightly yellowish.
Flesh of pileus up to S/Hlin. (4.5 mm.) thick over the disc, attenuated outwards.

Stem free from the pileus. Spores in the mass near Cinnamon Brown (xv.),

microscopically yellow-brown, elliptical, usually 13 to 17 x 7.5 to 10 /x, occasionally
smaller, 11.2 to 12.8 x 8 /x. On horse dung, manured soil, spent chaff or occa-
sionally lawns. South Australia — Glen Osmond; Beaumont; Fullarton; Grange;
in buffalo grass lawn, North Terrace; Kinchina; National Park; Encounter Bay;
Inman Valley; Kabmgadoo (S.E.). May to August.

This quite common species on dung-heaps, especially when there is straw,
differs from />. vitellinus in the brighter yellow pileus and in the gills being
pale yellow when young, but agrees in the cream-coloured stem and fleshy disc.
The spores are often a little larger than in B. vitellinus and B. Boltoni and still
more so than in />. flavidn s. The stem often tms a trace of yellow and B. Boltoni
has a yellowish stem and also flocei on it. Bolti have gills slightly a dilate and

light yellow when young, but the flesh of B. Boltoni is very thin (Rea) and

our species is not attenuated at the base but often the reverse, as in B. fhnvidus.
It does not' really deliquesce like B. / 1 avid ns . The pileus is sometimes con-

siderably larger than the sizes mentioned by Rea for any of the three species.
On the whole it seems best to consider it as /’. Boltoni.

241. Bolbi'tius fragilis (L.) Fr. ( L., fnujMs, fragile). — Pileus l to lfin.
( 2.1 to 4.3 cm,), at first ovate, then broadly conical, 4 to Jin. (1.2 to 1.8 cm.)
high, then expanding, snbinembranaceous, subgibbons, edge striate and fraying,
viscid, edge near Straw Yellow (xvi.), apex near Light Cadmium (iv.) or near
i’inard Yellow (iv.), or Apricot Yellow (tv.), paler and greyer towards the
margin. (Jills adnatc or adnexed, ascending, narrow, short ones present, whitish
or yellowish then lighter than Dresden Brown (xv.) or Buckthorn Brown (xv.) or
a Watery Russet (xv.). Stem If to 4in. (4.4 to 10 cm.), slender, fragile,
slightly attenuated upwards, mealy above, sometimes finely striate, hollow, tinted
with yellow or paler than Straw Yellow (xvi.) (in one collection white). Flesh
thin, yellowish. Spore mass near Buckthorn Brown (xV.), spores yellow brown,
10.5 to 15 x 7 to 8 /x. Amongst grass and mould or on or near dung. South
Australia — National Park; Greenhill Road; Baker’s Gully, near Clarendon; Port
Lincoln, on rabbits’ dung. April to June.

B. Spores black or blackish fuscous. Gills auto-digested from below upwards.

COPRINUS (Pers.) Fr.

(Gr., kopros, dung.)

•‘Pileus fleshy or membranaceous, regular. Stem central, confluent with or
distinct from the pileus, with or without a ring or vulva. Gills free, adriate or
attached to a collar, very thin, parallel-sided or sub parallel-sided, auto-digested
from below upwards. Spores black, violet black, chocolate or fuscous; oval,
elliptical, subglobose, angularly subglobose, pip-shaped, almond-shaped or cordi
form; smooth, very rarely echinulate; with an apical germ-pore. Cystidia usually
large, rarely absent. Growing on the ground, on dung or on wood. Solitary or
eaespit'ose. ' ' — Rea.

The species of Copritvun are characterised by their black or blackish spores
and the deliquescing gills. The last-named liquefy from the free edge upwards,
thus giving the later-maturing spores near the attachment of the gills a better
opportunity of falling free from the gill-plates when discharged. As a result
of the deliquescence, the plants rapidly become an inky mass when mature. Some

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

157

are very ephemeral, lasting only a few hours, deliquescing when the sun is up.
Others may persist for a day or more. As their name indicates, a common
habitat is dung. As several of our species grow on cow-dung and horse-dung,
and there were no ruminants or equines in Australia before its colonization,
these species are evidently introductions from elsewhere.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

With a ring or volva.

Ring obvious, usually movable on the stem. Pileus
large, white, at first cylindrical. Spores 10 to

17 x 6.5 to .11 p 242. Coprinuti comatus.

Yolva-like ring usually obvious at the base of the
stem.

Stem not rooting. White with white fibrils
or scales. Spores 11 to 15 x 0.5 to 9.5 p.

On dung 243. C ■ slerquilinus.

Stem with a long stout tapering root. Whitish,
less fibrillose. Spores 15 to 21 x 9 to 13 p.

In grassy fields 244. C. sterquilinus var.

nulioat/us.

Ring basal, very fugacious.

Usually connected with buried wood, caes-
pitose. Pileus 2 to 3in., lurid fuliginous.

Spores 9 to .11 x 5 to 7.5 p 245. C. atramentarius.

Ring sometimes present below the middle.

In sand. Pileus lfin., becoming convex,
striate, pale brownish. Stem 14 to bin.,
stout, whitish. Spores 13 to 17 x 7.5 p .. 246. C . arenacolens.
Without obvious ring or volva.

Plants medium-sized. Pileus fleshy or subfleshy.

Densely caespitose at the bases of posts, tree's,
or near buried wood. Pileus with micaceous
particles becoming date-brown-fuscous. Spores

dark bronze-brown, 7.5 to 9 x 5.5 to 7 p . . 247. C. micaceus.

Plants small. Pileus thin, plicate.

On dung.

Medium sized, pure white, mealy. Spores

black, 1 1 to 18 x 8 to 13 p 248. C. niveus.

Minute. Conico-cylindrical becoming
conieo-expanded, double-ribbed. Stem
white. Spores black, 8.5 to 14.5 x 6.4
to 8 p 249. C. ephemerus.

On bare ground, amongst grass, etc.

Up to nearly tin. Pileus conico-
cylindrical, finally convex with a pale
depressed disc and plicate periphery.

Stem white. Spores dark brown to
black, 12.5 to 16 x 7 to 10 p . . . . 250. C. pUcatilis.
Attached to rotting twigs.

Up to 1 in. Brown disc slightly rounded.

Gills narrow, purplish brown. Slight
bulb at base of stem. Spores dark

fuscous, 7.5 to 11 x 4 to 5 p 251. C, virf/ulfcolen.s.

I. Gills covered above with a fleshy or membranaceous cuticle, hence the
pileus does not open into furrows along the gills but becomes torn
and revolute.

■ Furnished with a ring arising from the volva; the cuticle torn into scales.

242. Coprinus comatus (FI. Dan.) Ft. (L„ com&tus, hairy).— “Pileus 1* to
24m. (4 to 6 cm.), 2 to 6in. (5 to 15 cm.) high, fleshy, cylindrical, then
campanulate, the continuous cuticle soon separating into adpressed, shaggy scales.

158

THE LARGER FUNGI

the scales becoming ochraceous at their apices, disc deep ocliraceous remaining
persistently entire, at length striate, margin often torn and unequal, white
becoming pinkish at the margin and finally black. Gills free, separate from the
stem, linear, white then pink at length black and deliquescent. Stem up to 4J to
10in. (12 to 25 cm.), 1 to 2 cm. thick, attenuated upwards from the bulbous
rooting base, fibrillose, silky, shining, white, then dingy or lilac white. Ring
white, membranaceous, thin, torn, movable, fugacious. Spores black, elliptical.

[Drawing by E.R.C.

Figure 29. — Goprinus comatus (FI. Dan.)
Fr. (No. 242). Unexpanded. Adelaide.

11 to 13 X 0 to 7 p. (Australian specimens 9.5 to 17.3 x (3 to 11 /*). Cystidia
vesiculose, 50 to 65 x 20 to 30 p. Taste mild. ” — Rea, Edible before the gills
begin to turn black. South Australia — In lawn, Botanic Gardens; Beaumont;
MacDonnell Bay (S.E.). New South Wales. Victoria. Europe, etc, (Figure 29.)

A species easily recognised amongst our deliquescent Coprim by its large size,
white shaggy pileus in the early stages and the movable ring and absence of a
volva.

243. Coprinus sterquilinus Fr. (L., sterquilinum, a dung-pit).— At first
cylindrical, covered with shaggy white fibrils or long white hairs as part of the

up SOT "I'M AUSTRALIA.

159

universal veil, stem short. Then conieo-cylindrieal to eonieo-conyex and tinallv
plane with edge upturned and inrolled. Piieus when expanded t to ilia. (2.5 to
5 cm.), striate to the rounded disc, covered densely with white fibrils or scurfy
granules, lead-grey underneath, turning pallid brown at the apex. (Jills just free
or just reaching the stem, narrow, rather close, blackish. Bing like a slight or
definite volva at the base of the stem. Stem 2| to tin. (5.(5 to 1(1 cm.), rather
stout, attenuated upwards, base at first bulbous, shaggy with upward-directed
scales or fibrils, very hollow, with rooting mycelial threads at the base, white.
Spores obliquely elliptical, black, 11 to 15 x 6.5 to 9.5 /*, sometimes 17.8 to 21
x 12.5 n. Solitary or subcaespitose on dung or manured soil. South Australia —
Parks ide Mental Hospital; Fullarton, on horse-dung; Beaumont; Waterfall Gully;
Kalangadoo (S.E.) ; Kingoonva (East-West Lino). April t'o July, September,
October.

A mediumrsizcd species growing on dung or manured soil with a ring like
a small volva at the base of the stem, the whole plant white at first with
prominent fibrils on the piieus and stem.

244. Coprinus sterquilinus Fr. var. radical us Clel. (L., radicatus, rooted).—
When young ovate, then cylindrical with rounded apex, l jin. (3.1 cm.) high and
lin. (2.5 cm.) broad, then expanding and becoming plane, suleat'e, the periphery
splitting, clothed with narrow fibrous adherent scales, whitish becoming grey.
At first with the edge turned in and closed by a. white veil which ruptures to
leave at the base of the stem a free edge and a more or less complete loose ring,
sometimes adherent to the edge of the piieus. Gills free, narrow (3.5 mm.), not
ventrieose, purplish brown to dark grey becoming black, edges white. Stem 1]
to PI in. (3.1 to (5.2 cm.), slightly fibrillose, attenuated upwards, hollow, below
passing into a long- tapering root, \ to l-jiii. (1.2 to 3.7 cm.) in length. Flesh
thin. Spores elliptical, black, 15 to 21 x 9 to 13 fi. Amongst grass on the
ground. South Australia — Kinchina, Encounter Bay, Beaumont. May June
August, .September.

••Somewhat ringed, but not with a volva. Piieus dotted, or spotted with
minute, innate squamules.

245. Coprinus atramentarius (Bull.) Fr.? (L., atramentarius, inky). — Piieus
up to 21 in. (6.2 cm.), at first conical, expanding t'o be finally upturned with a
central umbo, dark grey with whitish furfuraceous fibrils. Grills adnate, close,
very narrow, becoming black, at first with a white edge. Stem 4in. (10 cm.),
slightly attenuated upwards, fibrillose, striate above, hollow, white. Spores
elliptical, with one side more prominent, to almost triangular, black, 9.5 to 1 1
x 7.3 n. Gaespitose. South Australia — On dead grass-tree (Xamthorrhoea ) ,
heath near Mount Burr (S.E.). May.

The above differs from the description given by Rea of British specimens in
Hie gills not being free, in the piieus not being noted as deeply sulcate, in the
stem not being fusiform and in no basal ring being observed. Specimens collected
near the Torrens Lake. Adelaide, in June approach nearer to British specimens,
the piieus being ovate at first, finally expanding somewhat to 4in. (10 cm.)'
somewhat sulcate and hoary, pale brownish especially towards the disc; gills
free, ventrieose, whitish then brownish black; stem to 44in. (11 cm.), equaT or
attenuated downwards, furrowed, fibrillose, slightly hollow, Whitish;' no ring
recognised; spores oblique, bronze-coloured (probably immature), 8 to 9.3 x 4.8 /i.
Specimens from the Botanic Gardens, Sydney, October, resemble these.

-dfi. Coprinus arenacoleus Clel. ( L., avciui, sand; colons, inhabiting). — Piteus
up to If in. (4.4 cm.), nearly hemispherical, then convex, striate, pale brownish.
Gills ascending, just reaching the stem, broad, grey. Stem 11 to 6in. (3.7 to 15
cm.), stout, attenuated upwards, a little striate, fibrous, not' hollow, with a rough
raised ring at the junction of the lower and middle thirds, shining, whitish
becoming slightly straw-coloured. Flesh thin, watery. Spores elliptical, black,
13 to 17 x 7.5 fi. South Australia — In pure sand on a sand dune, Davenport
Greek (E.P.). August.

Specimens, apparently of this species, found at Henley Beach, April, were
densely cnespitoso, attached to dead wood in sand on a sand-dune; the stem
hollow; no apparent ring; spores 11.2 to 13 x 7.5 /i.

160

THE UARGEH FUNGI

* ** Universal veil floceose, at first continuous, then broken upi into superficial
scales which form patches on the pilous.

No South Australian species recorded.

***""Pileus at first clothed with distinct floeci, or lax villous down, which
fall off and disappear. Ring none.

247. Coprinus niveus (Pers.) Fr. (L., vi-reiix, snow-white). — Snow-white, medium
sized. When young ovate, covered with a shaggy white veil, then conico-hemis-
plierical, finally conico-convex, pilous up to IJin. (3,7 cult.) broad and high but
usually smaller, apex acute, edge curling up, covered with a white meal. Gills
adnate, ascending, narrow, close, clouded. Stem up to 2hi. (o cm.), slightly
attenuated upwards, mealy, hollow, white. No strong smell. Spores subspherieal
to elliptical, sometimes with the ends drawn in, nearly black, 12..S x 11 g, 11 to
18.5 x 8 to 13 ,u. On dung. South Australia — Adelaide, Burnside, National Park,
Encounter Bay, Port Elliot, on horse-dung Ernabella (Musgrave Ranges). April,
June, August'.

A rather small snow-white species without obvious smell found growing on
dung. The pilous and stem are covered with a white meal.

’••••Pilous covered with small micaceous scales or granules which fall off

and disappear.

248. Coprinus micaceus (Bull.) Ur. (L.. -miam-ntt. glittering). — Pilous l 1 , to
2iin. (3 to (i cm.), Jin. (1.8 cm.) high, subtncmbranaccous, conical, becoming
broadly conico-convex, undulato-lobed, rimosely split, striate, at first covered
with glistening micaceous particles, soon naked and becoming striate-rugose to

[ Photo , by 8‘. Tee.

Figure 30 . — Cnyrimix mieaceiis (Bull.) Fr. (No. 248).
Botanic Gardens, Adelaide.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

161

the disc, disc even, Pinkish Buff (xxix.), Cinnamon Buff (xxrx.) at the disc, at
length date-brown fuscous, ferruginous oehraeeous when dry. Gills ascending,
just reaching the stem, narrow (4 mm.), close, white or isabelline, then brown
or livid at the edge and finally fuscous blackish. Stem 1{ to Sin. (3 to 20 cm.)
equal, or slightly attenuated upwards, silky, often curved, fibrillose, becoming
smooth, hollow, white or whitish. Flesh pallid, thin at the disc. Spores dark
bronze brown, pip-shaped or elliptical with a long apiculus, 7.5 to 9.3 x 5.5 to
7 p, Cystidia cylindric-oblong, apices rounded, So to 140 x 48 to 75 p (Rea).
Edible (Australian plants have not yet been tried). Densely caespitose. A
common species coming up abundantly near the bases of trees, old stumps, posts,
and telephone poles and over buried wood, sometimes for some while after the
removal of the wood. South Australia — Adelaide district. New South Wales.
Victoria. April, June, September. (Figure 30.)

the situation (near old wood), densely caespitose habit, micaceous granules
on the yellowish brown pileus, white stem and absence of a ring make this
suhdeliquescent species of Coprinun easily recognisable. The smaller Pmthiffella
disseminata resembles it.

““’“Pileus smooth, without floccose Or micaceous squamules. Veil none.
No South Australian species recorded.

II. Pileus very thin, without a pellicle, at length opening into furrows along
the back of the gill s and becoming plicato-sulcate. Stem thin, fistulose.
Gills melting away into very thin lines.

*Stem annulate, or volvate.
No South Australian species recorded.

**Pileus clothed with superficial separating fioceules. Gills free. Ringless.
No South Australian species recorded.

‘"Pileus micaceous or furfuraeeous. Gills commonly adnate to the apex
of the stem, which in some species is dilated 'into a ring or collar
Ringless.

249. Coprinus ephemeras (Bull.) Fr. (Gr., ephemeras, lasting but a day).—
At first a minute yellowish-brown button. Pileus then conieo-cylindrical, striate
and yellowish brown, becoming more conical to conico-expanded and eventually
upturned, the disc brownish and not definitely raised or depressed, the rest of
the pileus greyish and finely double ribbed. Gills just reaching the stem, close,
narrow, blackish. Stem up to 2±iu. (5.6 cm.), slightly attenuated upwards, silkv
with a slight mealiness, hollow, white. Spores elliptical, black, 8.5 to 14.5 x 4.8
to 8 p. On dung. South Australia — Adelaide. September.

Bea, in “British Basidiomycetae, ’ ’ states that the disc of C. ephemerus is
elevated and often umbouate and that the spores measure 8 t'o 10 x 55 to 8 p
Our species may be C. c.urtus Kalelib. (= C. pUcatOoules Buller.).

250. Coprinus plicatilis (Curt.) Fr. (L., pUoatilis, folded).— Pileus 5/16in.
(7.o nnm), 7/1 Gin. (11 mm.) high, eonieo-cylindrieal, then eonico-eampanulatc
then convex and up to lin. (2.5 cm,) broad, the centre finally dimpled, darkish
brown in the centre, succeeded by a. pallid biscuit-coloured disc, the rest of the
pileus plicate and greyish biscuit-coloured or colour of dead grass, a few
glistening particles present, membranaceous. Gills ascending, just reaching the
stem and attached to a collar, close, narrow, greyish, edges white. Stem 14 to
Jim. (3.7 to 8.7 cm.), slender, slightly attenuated upwards, hollow, white. Spores
rather triangular to somewhat oval, dark brown to black, 12.5 to 17 x 7 to, 11 p
13 to 15 p. On the bare .ground or amongst grass or garden plants. South
Australia — Adelaide, Beaumont, Glen Osmond, Burnside, Mount Lofty near
Mount Compass. April to June, August, September.

162

THE LARGER FUNGI

A sterile form was found at Beaumont in May at the same time as fertile
specimens and at first suggjjtited a (latent ; the pilous and gills were yellowish
brown from the absence of spores.

Beil gives the spore measurements as 10 to 12 x 8 to 9 n and describes the
stem as pallid.

251. Coprinus virgulicolens Clel. (L., virffuU, a little twig; colons, dwelling). —
At first cylindrical with a rounded summit, mealy granulose in the centre, finely
striate with a few glistening particles, biscuity-eoloured. Then cylindrical-
conical to broadly conical, finally expanding, -1 to lin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.) in diameter
and up to fin. (16 mm.) high, membranous, with a smooth slightly rounded
fuscous brown disc at first pallid, the periphery closely striate-plicate with
scattered pallid scurfy granules, dark livid or greyish brown. Gills just reaching
the stem to adnate, ascending at first, close, narrow, whitish, finally dark purplish
brown. Stem J 1 to 2-iin. (3.7 to 6.2 cm.), at first mealy and striate, then smooth,
hollow, with a small bulb at the base and some radiating fibrils, white. Flesh
very thin, brownish. Spores Oblique, One end truncate, dark bronzy or fuscous
brown, 7.5 to 9, occasionally 11 x 4 to a p On the ground amongst leaf mould
attached to rotting twigs. South Australia — Mount Lofty. May, June.

Characterised by a membranaceous plicate pilous with some scurfy granules
and a slightly raised brown disc, purplish-brown narrow gills, a white stem with
a small bulb, spores which are dark fuscous brown, and the attachment to rotting
twigs (to which the specific name refers).

****Pileus always smooth. Ringless.
No South Australian species recorded.

C. Spores black. With a volva, the stem expanding above to form a flat
disc from whose edge the gills radiate without a covering cuticle,
receptacle becoming rigid and friable.

MONTAG'NITES Fr.

(After Montague, the French Mycologist.)

Universal veil forming a volva, persistent. Stem dilated at the apex into an
orbicular disc, smooth on both sides, to whose margin the free gills are attached.
Gills i adiating, sickle-shaped, persistent, with obtuse edges, without a covering
cuticle. I rama cellular. Spores oblong, smooth, black-fuscous, basidia
tetrasporous.

, 252- Montagnites Candollei Fr. (Probably after Alphonse de Candolle, the
Swiss Botanist). Pilous, formed by the expanded disc-like apex of the stem and
the gills radiating from its periphery, $ to lin. (1.2 to 2.5 cm.), occasionally
more, irregularly globose, or flattened on top with convex sides, or convex with
an umibonate disc, at first deeply inturne.l below towards the stem, as though
tucked in, leaving a space - or 3 mm. wide between the inturned edge and the
stem, covered by the greyish to dirty whitish universal veil through which shows
the ribbing of the gills. Gills to 3 mm. wide, very close like the leaves of a
book, attached along the periphery of the disc and at first covered by the delicate
universal veil, surfaces slightly wrinkled, carbonaceous; on old plants, the gills
tend to expand outwards and become ragged. Stem 1 to 2 jin. (2.5 to 7.6 cm.),
3 to 7 mm. thick, equal or attenuated upwards or slightly so downwards, deeply
rugose tending to break into broad rugose scales, ascending to the summit of
the pilous and there expanding into a thin disc up to 8 mm. wide, to whose
periphery the gills are attached, fleshy firm, hollow, white, flesh white, base
bulbous with a marked sheathing volva, sometimes supplemented internally by
upwardly-directed broad scales from the base of the stem. Emerging from the
•soil, not subterranean Spores elliptical, irregularly elliptical or sometimes
obovate black 15 to 24 x 9.5 to 13 g. Ernabella in the Musgrave Ranges and
near Echo Hill. August.

<>F SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

163

In one specimen from near Echo Hill, with a stem about 6 cm. high and an
umbonate convex pileus 2 cm. in diameter, the rather stout stem expands
gradually upwards and the universal veil is seen almost intact. The veil covers
the whole of the pileus, both disc and gills, and descends on to the stem, a
little below the level of the lowest portion of the gills, as a grevish to dirtv
whitish friable rugose membrane, which has ruptured in half its circumference
to form a spreading upwardly directed superior ring a mm. eej On the stem
below at intervals are further broad fragments of the universal veil and at the
base which is not definitely bulbous are volva-like fragments. Where the veil
leaves the outer convex surface of the gills, these turn in horizontally for 3 mm.,
forming a horizontal rim of uncovered gill plates so closely set as to resemble

Figure 31 . — Hontagntteg Candolle i Fr. (No. 252). South Australia.
Spores 9 to 9.5 s 4.5 to 5.5

the leaves of a book. The sides of the gills facing the stem then ascend almost
at right angles but with a slight concavity towards the stem to the disc leaving
an ample space between them and the stem, whien latter is here coarselv striate!
Spores of this specimen spherical to irregularly spherical, dark-fuscous, 5.5 to 7 a.
In another specimen the veil has left imperfect rings on a delicate stem. The
attachment of the gills to the disc is very narrow: the gills, however, soon assume
their average diameter and may do so abruptly, thus leaving a free edge internally
facing the stem and another free edge externally where the veil leaves the side's
of the gills, or may be somewhat narrowed internally and externally; sometimes
they may be perhaps attached to a slight extent to the under aspect of the edge
of the disc. The above description has been drawn up from fresh specimens
collected in the Mnsgrave Ranges or their vicinity. At first sight it may seem,
from the great differences in spore measurements and shapes, that we mav be
dealing with two species, especially as the Echo Hill specimen is distinctly more
robust than the others (which are numerous). It i s in fact matched to some
extent by two other coarse specimens, one from Miller Creek near Mount Eba.

164

the larger fungi

South Australia, ami another without specific locality; the stems aie .1^ to 4in.
(S.7 to 10 cm.), attenuated upwards or in both directions, £ to jin. (10 to 12.5
mm.) thick in the middle, covered with coarse downwardly directed scales, and
coarsely striate above; the disc (lin., 2.5 cm.) is convex in one and convex with
a very prominent obtuse umbo in the other; and both have dark fuscous, smooth,
spherical or irregularly spherical spores, 5 to (1.5 y. in size, but in one there are
also a, few large spores 15.5 x 9.5 to 11 /r as well. On the other hand, a typical
slender form (stem 3in,, 7.o cm., long but only 2 mm. thick) thorn a sandhill
at Wiiitpiuga, Encounter Bay, also has small spores, 7.5 x 5.5 p, which are
elliptical to irregular or almost triangular. It thus seems, as has been suggested
by others, that we are dealing with a single species, highly variable as regards
its size and robustness and the size and shape of the spores.

Other specimens comprise the following: — South Australia — Miller Creek near
Mount Eba (spores 19 to 24 x 11 to 12.8 m (rarely 27 x 21 /1); Ooldea (spores
irregularly elliptical to ovate, 7.5 to 11 x 5.5 to 7 y, another collection from
Ooldea, spores 15 to 17.5 x 9.5 y, rarely 27 x 21 m to nearly spherical, 16 n) ;
north-west of Port Augusta (spores obliquely elliptical, often irregular, some-
times swollen in the centre, blackish, 9 x 5.5 y, rarely 13 x 9 y) ; Flinders Range
near Orraparinna (spores obliquely elliptical, dark fuscous, 13 to 16 x 7.5 y).
Central Australia — North of Charlotte Waters (spores elliptical, blackish, 18
x 11 y, occasionally 25 x 13 m) ; Deep Well (spores irregularly elliptical to ovate,
black, 7.5 to 11 x 5.5 to 7 y) ; Woodforde Creek (spores dark brown to blackish,
elliptical, sometimes rather irregular, 15 to 20 x 9 to 15 y). Western Australia —
lvurrawang. New South Wales — Forbes (spores black, 20.8 x 14 y, 14 x 10.4 y).
January, May, August, November, December. (Figure 31.)

4. Receptacle membranaceous, tough, reviving' with moisture, not putrescent.

Spores white.

* I “ileus with a thin, unspecializcd cellular pellicle.

MARASMIUS Fr.

(Gr., in, amino, 1 die away.)

“ Pilous membranaceous or coriaceous, regular or resupinate. Stem central
or wanting, cartilaginous or horny. Gills adimte, adnexed, decurrent or free,
pliant, rather tough. Spores white; elliptical, pip-slmped, oblong elliptical,
almond-shaped, tear-drop-shaped, globose or subglobose; smooth, punctate or
echinulate; continuous. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on the ground or
on wood; solitary, gregarious, eaespitose or fasciculate.’’ — Rea.

The species of Varasmius grow on the ground or on wood or attached to
fallen leaves or arising from the bases of stems of grass and are characterised
by the membranaceous pileus which is tough and revives perfectly when moistened.
The genus is related to Collybxa and Mi/ceim, differing in the tough reviving
pileus, and is divided into two sections corresponding to these genera, the one
with the margin of the pileus at first incurved, the other with it straight. Since
in some cases the fungi are only moderately tough and partly revive when
moistened, it is not surprising that a species may be placed in Coll'ybia or Myoma
by one author and in IWarasmim by another. The plants arc usually small,
some minute. Marmmiu. s- orcad.es , which has been found in New South Wales
but not yet in thin State, is one of the larger terrestrial species, an inch or even
two inches in diameter, growing in “fairy rings’’ and making, it is said, a
delicious addition to gravy or soups. Some of the species have a smell of garlic.
The minute M. eqmcrinis, common in the Mount Lofty Range, has long threads
of mycelium like horse lmir entangling and attached to fallen leaves and debris.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF MAEASM1UU, ANDXOSEACEUS, AND

CIUSIPELJJS.

On the ground.

Gills nearly free.

Pileus 1 to 2in. In rings .. 253. ilarasmiiis arcades.

Gills adnate.

Pileus A to lin,, dark brown, when dry colour
of dead grass. Gills pinkish bull'’. Stem
about 1 Jin., villous, dark brown 255. M. villosipes.

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

165

On wood, fallen sticks, etc.

Pileus Jin. or more.

Stem velvety, blackish, Jin.

Pileus about lin., burnt umber, drying to
walnut brown. Gills adnate to sub-
decurrent, light cinnamon drab. Smell
foetid 256. M. foetidus.

Stem densely villose or short hairy, greyish
brown.

Pileus about fin., sayal brown. Gills

adnate, glaucous brown 257. M. australiensis.

Pileus usually J to Jin.

Stem smooth or slightly velutinate, Vandyke
brown to blackish, paler above, usually
about Jin.

Pileus up to Jin., pinkish cinnamon to
ochraceous salmon. Gills adnate, creamy

white. On trunks 254. M. •oinnamoneus.

Stem pruinose to granular, whole plant light
pinkish cinnamon to colour of dead grass.

Pileus i to Jin., umbilicate. Stem J to

Jin. On fallen sticks, etc 258. M. ramealis.

Pileus minute, up to Jin.

Pileus umbilicate with a knob in the centre,
biscuit-coloured.

Gills 8 to 11, attached to a collar. Stem
several inches long, brown, hair -like.

Sterile mycelium like horse-hair . . . . 259. M. equicrirnAs.

Pileus alveolar, honey-coloured.

Gills 6 to 10, adnate. Stem short, dark

brown below 260. Androsaoeus

alveolaris.

Attached to buried grass stems.

Pileus Jin., with adpressed fibrils, colour of dead

grass. Stem densely pilose, coneolorous . . . . 261. Crinipems

oaulieitmtHs.

A. Margin of pileus incurved at first. Stem cartilaginous. Mycelium

floccose.

a. Stem externally villose or pruinose. Gills separating, free.

*Stem woolly or strigose at the base.

No South Australian species recorded.

* stein naked at the base.

253. Marasmius oreades (Bolt.) Pr. (Gr., oreias, belonging to mountains). —
Pileus ljin. (3.7 cm.) or larger, pliant, convex, irregular, subumbonate, then
rather upturned, surface matt, biscuit-coloured. Gills just free, broad, moderately
distant, creamy white. Stem up to Sin. (7.5 cm.), slender, equal, rather wavy,
somewhat pruinose (“covered with a villose-woven cuticle”), whitish. Spores
elliptical, white, 8.5 x 4.2 to 5 fj.. Forming imperfect rings. Edible. New
South Wales — Moore Park. December.

The above description of the edible “Fairy Ring Champignon” is from Sydney
specimens. It has not yet' been recorded from this State but doubtless does occur.
Its pliant texture, distant free gills and arrangement in rings make it readily
recognisable.

b. Stem rooting, distinctly cartilaginous. Gills separatiug-free.

*Stem woolly downwards, smooth upwards.

No South Australian species recorded.

166

THE LARGER Fl'XGI

**Stem, at least when dry, everywhere pruinosely velvety.
No South Australian species recorded.

**Stem smooth.

No South Australian species recorded.

c ■ Stem abrupt, often furnished with a floceose tubercle at the base. Gills
adnate or subdecurrent.

*8tem very smooth and shining upwards, base simple.

254. Marasmius cinnamoneus Clel. (L., einnumoncus, cinnamon-coloured). —
Pilous up to Jin. (1.2 cm.), usually less, irregularly convex, then nearly plane,
surface dull and slightly villose or minutely frosted, subrugose, substitute some-
times at the edge, when young with the edge a little inturned, Light Pinkish
Cinnamon to Pinkish Buff (xxix.), Light Vinncoous Cinnamon (XXIX.) or Light
Oc-hvaceous Salmon (xv.), darker in the centre. Gills adnate, then seceding,
moderately close to somewhat distant, slightly veutricose, edges sometimes slightly
serrate, creamy white. Stem up to Jin. (1.2 cm.), sometimes to lin. (2.5 cm.),
slender, slightly velutinate or smooth, near Hessian Brown or Vandyke Brown
(xxvrit.) or lighter, paler above, darker sometimes nearly black below, abruptly
entering the martix. No smell. Spores subspherical to pear-shaped, with an
oblique apieulus, hyaline, 7.5 to 6 p, 7.5 to 9 x 4 p. On thick bark at the bases
of living Eucalypts. South Australia — National Park, Mount Lofty, Willunga
Bill, Inman Valley. April, May, July.

The distinguishing features are the pinkish buff to cinnamon pileus, the
creamy white and adnate gills and dark reddish brown short subvelutinate stem.

**Stem velvety or pruinate, base subtuberoulose.

255. Marasmius villosipes Clel. (L., villoms, villous, shaggy; pes, a foot). —
Pileus J- to 1+in. (1.2 to 2.7 cm.), irregularly convex, sometimes dimpled and
upturned, sometimes irregularly rugose, edge lacerated, dark brown when moist,
when dry the colour of dead grass. Gills adnate, moderately close to rather
distant’, pallid pinkish buff (near Avellaneous, XL.). Stem ij to ljin. (3.1 to
3.7 cm.), slender, tough, very villous, dark brown (darker than Buffv Brown, XL.).
Spores (apparently) pear-shaped, 5.5 x 3.5 /*• Under Pirns metiiata Bon. (P.
itmgnis Douglas) and in grass. South Australia— Caroline State Forest. Mount
Gambier; Lowan State Forest, Kalangadoo. May.

__256. Marasmius foetidus (Sow.) Fr. (L., foeticlw, stinking).— Pileus up to
sin. (2.1 cm.), irregular, convex then nearly plane, plicate, near Burnt limber
(xxvii.) when moist, drying to near Walnut Brown (xxvil.). Gills thick, adnate
to slightly defiurrent, pruinose, near Light Cinnamon Drab (XLVi.). Stem Jin.

( 1 — cm.), sometimes attenuated downwards, sometimes flattened, velvety,

blackish. Spores 9 x 5.5 p. Smell distinctly foetid. South Australia — On the
hark several feet up the trunk of living EumU/ptux olliqua L ’Herat, Mount
Lofty Summit. April, July.

__257. Marasmius australiensis Clel. (L., amtraliensis, here Australian).— Pileus
gill. (15 mm.), convex and dimpled or slightly irregularly upturned or plane,
slightly irregularly rugose, innately fihrillose, near Sayal Brown (xxix.). Gills
adnate, moderately close, many short, sides slightly venose, glaucous brown.
Stem up to i in. (Ls nun.), slightly attenuated downwards, densely villous or
short hairy, greyish brown. Spores 7..> x 3.5 p. No evstidia seen. On wood.
South Australia — National Park. July.

258. Marasmius ramealis, (Ball.) Fr. (L„ ramus, a branch).— Pilous J to’ Jin.
(4 to 7 mm.), eon \ ox, umbilic.ated, finally sometimes upturned and the edges
lacerated, edge inturned when young, surface dull, light pinkish cinnamon to
near the colour of dead grass. Gills adnate, moderately distant, manv short, a
little paler than the pileus. Stem i to {in, (4 to 7 mm.), slender, slightly
attenuated downwards, pruinose to granular, abruptly entering the matrix, con-
colorous. Gregarious on fallen twigs and bark and dead grass stems, often
partly burned m the sandy soil. South Australia — Encounter Bay. May.

Our plants differ from the description given by Ben in being smaller,’ and in
being uniformly of one colour) near that of dead grass. The spores in the
British plant are given as 8 to 10 x 3.4 p, minutely punctate

OP SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

167

1?. Margin of fileils straight and addresser to tiif, stem at first. Stem
cartilaginous. Mycelium kiiizomokpuoid, corticate.

259. Marasmlus equicrinis F.v.M. (L., cquvs, ;i horse; crvrm, hair). — Pileus
1/16 to Jin. (1.5 to 3 him.), convex or hemispherical, with about. 8 coarse rugae,
umbilicate with a minute dark knob in the centre of the dimple, near Tawny
Olive (XX ix.). (Jills adnnte, attached to a collar, S to II in number, distant,
pallid. Stem 1 to 5in. (2.5 to 12.5 cm.), often less, smooth, hair-like, abruptly
piercing the matrix or arising at right angles from the mycelium, dark brown
or black, pallid below the pileus. Sterile mycelium tough like horse-hair, brown,
tangled amongst fallen leaves, etc. Spores elongated, elliptical, 7.5 to 9 x 4.51 to
5.5 fi. South Australia — Mount Lofty, Greenhill Road, National Park. New
South Wales. March to July.

The Horse-hair Fungus is not uncommon amongst the debris of fallen leaves
in shaded forests. The sterile mycelium is often abundant and careful search
may show the minute caps on long hair-like stems.

*' Pileus with a thick cellular pellicle.
tCells of the pellicle upright, echinulate or verrucose.

ANDROSACETJS (Pers.) Pat. (MARASMIUS Fr., in part).

(Gr., andro.%ik<!s, an unidentified sea-plant.)

“Pileus membranaceous, thin, regular, cells of pellicle echinulate or tuber-
culoae. Stem central, horny. Gills adnate, emarginatc, decurtrent or attached
to a collar. Spores white, elliptical, pip-shaped, oblong elliptical, subglolmse or
club-shaped; smooth; continuous. Cystidia present or absent. Growing on
wood, fallen leaves, etc.’’ — Rea.

260. Androsaceus alveolaris del. ( L., alveolar in, alveolar, having little troughs
or depressions). — Pileus Jin. (3 mm.) or less, rarely more, the surface alveolar
from raised ribs rimosely arranged, leaving a polygonal cell in the centre, dark
honey-coloured (near Snuff Brown, x.xix.), the ribs darker. Gills adnate, distant,
6 to 10 in number, with some venose elevations at the periphery forming abortive
gills and buttressing folds, edges thick, pallid honey -coloured. Stem short, up
to Jin. (6 mm.), rarely more (Jin., 15 mm.), slightly pruinose, whitish above,
very dark brown below, abruptly entering the matrix. Spores white, narrow,
oblique, witli the ends drawn out and acute, 10 to 13 x 5.5 a, 9 to 10 x 3.7 /t.
Hairs on the pileus and stem colourless, straight with knobby or irregular swollen
apices, 38 to 76 x 7.5 fi, forming a villous coat, a few; present also on the edges
of the gills. On bark. South Australia — National Park, Encounter Bay. May,
July.

This little fungus, described as Marasmius alveolaris, seems better placed under
Androsaceus.

1 1 Cells of the pellicle decumbent, very long, librillose.

CRINIFELLIS Pat.

(L., erinis, hair; pelUs, skin.)

“Pileus membranaceous, regular, cells of pellicle long, thick, tough. Stem
central, firm. Gills adnate or free. Spores white, pip-shaped, smooth or punctate,
continuous. Growing on wood, twigs, etc, ’ ’ — Rea.

261. Crinipellis caulficinalis (Bull.) Rea (Gr., Inulos, a stalk). — Pileus Jin.
(1.2 cm.), irregularly convex, covered with intricate adpfiessed fibrils, edge some-
times slightly rugose, pallid brownish drying to a pale greyish brown or dead
grass colour. Gills apparently adnate or admixed or attached to an indefinite
collar, then seceding, moderately close, eoneoUirous. Stem up to 1 ill . (2.5 cm.),
slender, usually attenuated downwards, densely pilose, solid, eoneoiorous or some-
times browner. Spores elongated pear-shaped, one end pointed, 10.5 x 5 /t.
Caespitose on the ground, often attached to burled grass stems. South Australia —
Hill near Beaumont (Adelaide). April.

Specimens, apparently this species, from Neutral Bay, Sydney, March, have
a tinge of purple on the pileus and stem and spores 7 to 8.5 x 4.4 to 5 /*. The
representation of < 7 . caulu'iiiMis in Bresadolu ’s Icunographia Mycologies, Tab.
496, 2, docs not; give a good impression of the Australian plant that we refer to
this species.

] 68

THE LARGER FFNGI

***Pileus sub-gelatinous leathery, stem horny.

HELIOMYCES Lev.

(Gr., ltelws, the suu ; myl'cx, a fungus.)

“Flesh tremelloid, subcoreaceous, reviving in moist weather. I ‘ileus rugose,
Sulcatc or retieulate-rirlged. Stem central, con lluent with the pilous, tough. No
veil. Gills with an acute edge.’’ — Kauffman.

No Australian species as yet recorded.

5. Receptacle coriaceous, fleshy coriaceous or woody. Spores white.

*Gil!s with crisped folds.

TROGIA Fr. (PLICATURA Peck.)

(T'rog, a Swiss Mycologist.) (L., plicatms, folded; Gr.. oura, a tail.)

“ Fileus spongy coriaceous, soft, flaccid, dimidiate, sessile or suhstipitate.
Hymeniuni covering obtuse veins, gill-like in front, crisped and branched behind,
fertile on the edge. Spores white, oblong or cylindrical, smooth. Cystidin none.
Growing on wood.” — Rea.

No South Australian species known.

'"Gills with the edges longitudinally split.

SCHIZOPHYLLUM Fr.

(Gr., seliiso, I split ; phyUon., a leaf.)

“Fileus coriaceous, resupinate. Stem lateral or none. Gills radiating from a
central point, becoming longitudinally split and revolute at the edges. Spores
white, cylindrical, smooth, continuous. Cystidia none. Growing on wood.” Rea.

Schizophyllum commune Fr. (L., u n A, common). — Fileii single or

often caespitose or sometimes densely umbricnte, up to din. (7.5 cm.) laterally
and 1 ‘in. (3.7 cm.) long but often much smaller,' more or less fan-shaped or

I Photo, by S. Tee.

Figure 32.— .Schizo,, In, Ihun Fr. (No. 262). Multifid form from

Darwin, North Australia.

OP SOI 'TH AUSTRALIA.

1 69

reniform and lobed, the edges Of the lobes sometimes eristately indented,
irregularly plane, convex or concave, radiately rugose, covered with dingy greyish
to whitish downy hairs becoming strigose, often pendulous, usually contracted
to a stem-like base, tough, near Wood Brown (XL.) when moist, drying pallid
greyish-white. Gills splitting and when -moist revolute at the edges, narrow,
close, radiating, near Yinaoeous Buff (xl.) sometimes with a livid cinnamon
tint or Aveilaneous (xl.). Flesh pallid, tough. Spores in the mass white with
a very faint salmon tint, microscopically narrow, slightly curved, 7.5 x 2.7 ytt.
On fallen trunks, stumps, dead branches, and sometimes on old timber. South
Australia — On stumps of Finm and willow and on wood of Araucaria Bidwilli
Hook., Beaumont; Waterfall Gully. All the Australian States. Probably nearly
world-wide. Autumn and winter. (Figure .‘!2.)

A not uncommon species on dead wood and stumps, readily recognised by its
toughness, its split revolute gills and its greyish-white downy-strigose upper
surface. It is found sometimes in dense overlapping masses. It undoubtedly
aids in the disintegration of dead wood and stumps.

***Gills black.

ANTHRACOPHYLLUM.

(Gr., anthrax, coal; pliyllon, a leaf.)

Pileus semi-circular, almost sessile, leathery, tough, thin, wrinkled. Gills
leathery-coriaceous, unequal, with sharp undivided edges, black. Spores white.
No Australian species recorded.

**** Pileus tleshv coriaceous, gills somewhat soft.

PANUS Fr.

(Gr., pan, all; ous, an ear.)

“ Pileus fleshy-coriaceous, excentric, dimidiate or regupinate, sessile or stipitatc.
Stem when present lateral, confluent with the pileus. Gills soft, then coriaceous,
decurrent or arising from a central point. Spores white, cylindrical or elliptical,
smooth, continuous. Oystidia present or absent. Growing on wood, often
caespitose. ’ ’ — Rea.

These fungi are non-putrescent, tough, and grow on wood. The pileus is
excentric, lateral or at first resupinate. The flesh varies in texture from tough
to somewhat fleshy, so that some species approach Pleurotus. Some authorities
consequently may place a species in Panus which others consider should come
under Pleurotus. The gills have an entire edge which distinguishes them from
those of Lentinus, in -which the edges are thin and lacerated or serrated.

Stem definitely lateral.

2(13. Panus stipticus (Bull.) Fr. “Pileus l to 2-)ir>. (1.2 to 6.7 cm.), thin,
elastic, reniform, sometimes infundibuliform and lobed, pruinose, the cuticle
breaking up into furfuraeeous scales, cinnamon, becoming pale. Stem $ to fin.
(5 to 20 mm.), 1/12 to sin. (2 to 3 mm.) thick, coriaceous, dilated at the apex,
ascending, pruinose, coriaceous. Gills ending determinately, thin, very narrow,
crowded, connected by veins, ochracenus or cinnamon. Flesh eoncolorotis. Spores
white, elliptical, 4 to 5x2 to 2.5 y. Cystidia on the edge of the gills lanceolate,
at first clavate. Taste very astringent. Poisonous. On dead stumps and fallen
branches. ’ ’ — Rea.

***"'*Pileus membranaceous-coriaceous, gills coriaceous, branched, obtuse.

XEROTUS Fr.

(Gr., xeros, dry; outs, an car.)

“Pileus membranaceous-coriaceous, regular. Stem central, confluent with the
pileus. Gills coriaceous, broadly pliraeform, dichotomous, edges entire, obtuse.
Spores white, elliptical, irregular.’’ — Rea.

Species of this genus have not so far been collected in South Australia. The
pretty X. fuUginosus B. et (_’. is not uncommon on sticks in the coastal part of
New South Wales.

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