Monograph of the Truffles

CHAR. Uterus variable, externally smooth, papillose, or tubercular; internally somewhat fleshy, usually marbled with veins; sporidia immersed in the walls of the uterus (peridium), and usually enclosed in sporangia.

Obs. This suborder is, in my judgment, the center of the entire class of Gasteromycetes. For the peridium, including the fructification within its own substance, constitutes the essence of the entire fungus. Hence, it is truly uterine and, being in the center, is most distinct from the other orders of other classes.

SECTION I. Prototypes. Uterus, from a peridium that is scarcely or loosely intruded, is sub-hollow or fleshy-cellular, yet marked here and there with veins. Sporangia eight-spored.

5. GENEA
6. BALSAMIA

SECTION II. Central. Uterus internally fleshy, compact, marvelously variegated with veins. Sporangia one-to-eight-spored.

7. TUBER
8. CHOIROMYCES
9. RHIZOPOGON

SECTION III. Deviating. Uterus fleshy-grumous clumped or granulated, variegated with obsolete veins. Sporangia single-spored.

10. PICOA

Obs. The genera POLYGASTER and ENDOGONE must also be referred to here.