Part 65 (2/2)

Furthermore, the spirals may be smooth or spinulose the elater uniform throughout or enlarged betimes by nodes and swellings. Taken altogether, the trichias with the species of the genus next following exhibit the highest degree of differentiation attained by the Myxomycetes.

Most of the earlier authors, including Haller, used the generic name _Trichia_ to cover a variety of forms. It is here used with the limits sketched by De Bary in 1859 and 1864 (_Die Myxomyceten_), and followed more exactly ten years later by his pupil, Rostafinski.

=Key to the Species of Trichia=

_A._ Sporangia, in typical cases at least, wholly sessile.

_a._ Gregarious; hypothallus none.

i. Peridium brown or reddish brown.

O Elaters smooth.

OO Spirals even, regular 1. _T. inconspicua_

+ Spirals irregular 2. _T. contorta_

++ Elaters rough, spinescent 3. _T. iowensis_

ii. Peridium olivaceous or yellow.

O Elaters smooth 4. _T. varia_

_b._ Hypothallus distinct; sporangia crowded; spores reticulate, banded, or netted.

i. Spore-bands pitted 6. _T. persimilis_

ii. Spore-bands, narrow, plain 7. _T. favoginea_

iii. Spores covered by a delicate net 5. _T. scabra_

_B._ Sporangia stipitate.

_a._ Hypothallus distinct 8. _T. verrucosa_

_b._ Hypothallus none; peridium checkered with pale reticulations.

i. Brownish red or black 10. _T. botrytis_

ii. Olivaceous.

O Elaters smooth 11. _T. subfusca_

OO Elaters rough 12. _T. erecta_

_c._ Peridium plain, s.h.i.+ning 13. _T. decipiens_

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