Sporangia scattered or clustered, globose, or somewhat plasmodiocarpous, .5–1 mm., sessile, coppery iridescent, the peridium thin, opening above irregularly; capillitium of long flexuous, coiling, simple or little dividing threads, nearly smooth, with infrequent attachments to the peridial wall; spores in mass yellowish, transparent under the lens, delicately verruculose, 10–12 µ.

One of the handsomer species of the present group. So far a Pacific coast form. California, Oregon, Washington; reported from Chile.

Dianema Rex

Sporangia simple or plasmodiocarpous; capillitium composed of threads without characteristic thickenings running entirely across the sporangium attached both to the base and to the opposite wall, not joined to form a network.

Key to Species of Dianema

A. Sporangia distinct, iridescent1. D. harveyi
B. Fructification more or less plasmodiocarpous, dull brown2. D. corticatum
C. Sporangia, some of them stipitate3. D. andersoni

1. Dianema harveyi Rex.

[Plate XVI]., Figs. 5 and 5 b.