Mycological System (1832) - Page 18

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BATARREA

such as G. coliformis, are very similar to Batarrea at this primitive age; their exterior peridium consists of a double membrane, with an intermediate layer that is sub-gelatinous or the substance of coagulated milk and foul-smelling, as in Phalli and Clathri, with which the cited species is analogous. The differences in further morphogenesis seem to depend not a little on the peridium emerging from the Geaster, while that of Batarrea always remains in the earth, by which the interior mass is forced to arise to the surface of the earth and, having been released there, assumes a pileate form, the pinnacle in the individual series of fungi. Furthermore, compare the species of Podaxon (Lycoperdon axatum Bos., likewise with a volva and cap, with a central receptacle), and in addition Tulostoma, in which I have seen the exterior cortex of the peridium remaining at the base like a volva. Thus, there is no lack of reasons for keeping the genus among the Lycoperdei, with which those who have seen it have joined it. However, Persoon distinguished the genus most excellently; he dedicated it most justly to the memory of Batarra, who alone in the very dark century of mycology (1730—1780) wrote about fungi from personal observation along with Schäffer.

1. B. Phalloides, with equal stipe and brown spores.

Lycoperd. Phalloides. Dicks. crypt. Brit. 1. p. 24. Woodw. in Act. Angl. 74. p. 423. t. 26. Smith. Spic. Bot. 1. p. 11. t. 12. Sowerb. Fung. t. 390. Batar. Phall. Pers. syn. p. 129. t. 3. f. 1. Nees, l. c. f. 257.

,,Volva ovate, bicorticate having two skins, whitish, filled with mucilage, hidden under the earth to 7--8 inches. Stipe about a foot in height, with a lacerated-strigose cortex (cylindrical, straight, fleshy, filled with mucilage, at first short, afterwards elongating upward with wonderful force and speed." Smith.) ,,Pileus campanulate, smooth and glabrous below, covered above with a layer of thick brown powder, which is covered by a portion of the ruptured volva like a cap." Dickson — In sandy embankments of England. (v. illustration)

2. B. Stevenii, with ventricose swollen stipe and luteous-brown spores.

Dendromyces Stevenii. Liboschitz. Monogr. Wien. 1814. f. 1, 2.