. Fungi; their nature and uses. Fungi. STRUCTURE. 35 When first formed, the peridia are spherical, they then elongate and expand, the mouth being for some time closed by a veil, or diaphragm, which ultimately disappears. Within the cups lentil-shaped bodies are attached to the base and sides by elastic cords. These are the sporangia. Each of these has a com- plicated structure; externally there is a filamentous tunic, composed of interlaced fibres, sometimes called the peridiole; beneath this is the cortex, of compact homogenous structure, then follows a cellular thicker stratum, bearing, towa
. Fungi; their nature and uses. Fungi. STRUCTURE. 35 When first formed, the peridia are spherical, they then elongate and expand, the mouth being for some time closed by a veil, or diaphragm, which ultimately disappears. Within the cups lentil-shaped bodies are attached to the base and sides by elastic cords. These are the sporangia. Each of these has a com- plicated structure; externally there is a filamentous tunic, composed of interlaced fibres, sometimes called the peridiole; beneath this is the cortex, of compact homogenous structure, then follows a cellular thicker stratum, bearing, towards the centre of the sporangia, delicate branched threads, or sporo- phores, on which, at their extremities, the ovate spores are generated, some- times in pairs, but normally, it would seem that they are quaternary on spicules, the threads being true basidia. The whole structure is exceedingly interesting and peculiar, and may be studied in detail in Tulasne's memoir on this group. Sphjeronemei.—In this very large and, within certain limits, variable order, there is but little of interest as regards struc- ture, which is not better illustrated else- where ; as, for instance, some sort of peri- thecium is always present, be better studied in the Sphceriacei. The spores are mostly very minute, borne on delicate sporophores, which originate from the inner surface of the perithecia, but the majority of so-called species are undoubtedly conditions of sphseriaceous fungi, either spermatogonia or pycnidia, and are of much more interest when studied in connection with the higher forms to which they belong.* Probably the number of complete and autonomous species are very few. Melanconiei.—Here, again, are associated together a great number of what formerly were considered good species of fungi, but which are now known to be but conditions of other forms. * Berkeley, M. J., "Introduction, Crypt. ; p. Pig. gium. b. but this can Pll0re- d- Ci/atJins. a. Spora
Size: 1335px × 1873px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorcookemcm, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, bookyear1875
