In outward appearance this species resembles L. physaroides, but is easily recognizable by its very peculiar capillitium. This, in its primary branching, resembles a comatricha. In typical forms, the columella branches at the apex only, generally into two strong divisions which then break up irregularly and anastomose in every direction. This seems to have been the form present to Rostafinski when he wrote "columella truncate." In Central American and some North American specimens, the branching is very different; the twigs leave the columella at various points almost down to the annulus, and the entire effect is dendroid. The columella is lost almost at once. A small form of this species was formerly distributed in the United States as Comatricha friesiana DeBy. This circumstance led the present author to describe Central American forms as C. shimekiana. Judging from a remark by Massee (Mon., p. 97), a similar confusion seems to have prevailed in Europe. As a matter of fact, the resemblance between C. friesiana, i. e. C. nigra, and the present species is sufficiently remote.
Lamproderma minutum Rostafinski seems to be a small form of this species. Rostafinski bases his diagnosis upon the branching of the columella, which is, as we have seen, inconstant, and upon the colorless capillitium. This feature in specimens examined is also inconstant.
Occurring in large colonies on barkless decaying logs of various species; the plasmodium almost colorless.
New England, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, Nicaragua; Vancouver's Island; Ontario, Toronto,—Miss Currie.
4. Echinostelium DeBary
- 1873. Echinostelium DeBary, Rost., Versuch, p. 7.
Sporangia distinct, globose, minute, the structure limited to a few imperfect rib-like, loosely joined branches developed from the short columella or stem-top, sustaining the spores.
A single species:—
1. Echinostelium minutum DeBy.
- 1873. Echinostelium minutum DeBy., Rost., Versuch, p. 7.