Beilschmiedia tarairi (A. Cunn.) Benth. & Hook. f. Auckland: Waiwera, October, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Dacrydium cupressinum Sol. Westland: Harihari, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Swanson, 400ft, April, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Metrosideros robusta A. Cunn. Auckland: Glen Esk Valley, Piha, May, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus fusca (Hook. f.) Oerst. Westland: Staircase Creek, 2,000 feet, November, 1952, S.D. Baker, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11871. Ahaura, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. Auckland: Whitianga Road, Coroanandel Peninsula, 600ft, October, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Weinmannia racemosa L.f. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 2,500ft, March, 1951, J. M. Dingley. Unknown hosts. Auckland: Mt. Pihanga, 2,000ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley; Otau, Hunua Range, April, 1950, J.M. Dingley; Whakarewarewa, 1,200 feet, June, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Whakatikei Forest Reserve. June, 1923, J.C. Neill; Wanganui, March, 1946, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual or perennial, ceraceous, brittle, adnate but tending to lift when old, effused forming irregular areas 12-20 x 5-7 cm; surface cream, yellow-ochre, sometimes buff when old, even, occasionally slightly tuberculate, coarsely irregularly creviced; margin thinning out, white, adnate, fibrillose. Context white or cream, 100-250 µ thick, of one to three irregular zones, basal layer of parallel hyphae loosely arranged, scanty, intermediate layer of mainly upright hyphae densely compacted and containing 1-3 zones of cystidia irregularly arranged, embedding masses of crystals; generative hyphae 2.5-3 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, crystal coated, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 25 µ deep, a dense palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 4 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, similar to but smaller than the basidia. Cystidia present in all tissues, a few projecting to 20 µ, irregularly cylindrical with rounded ends, or slightly subclavate, 24-72 x 8-14 µ, crystal coated, crystals progressively coarser basally. Spores obovate or pip-shaped, apiculate, 4-5 x 3-3.5 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark or decorticated dead wood.

Hymenophorum annuum vel perenne, ceraceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea, ochracea, interdum bubalina, aequa, late rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 2.5-3 µ diam., crystallis tecta. Basidia subclavata, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia cylindricalia, 24-72 x 8-14 µ, crystallis crassis tecta. Sporae obovatac vel obovatae attenuato-apiculatae, 4-5 x 3-3.5 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Context hyphae are coated with fine crystals, and between the hyphae lie masses of crystals which give to sections their chalky appearance. Cystidia vary appreciably in size, becoming progressively larger and more coarsely crystal coated towards the base. In some collections the context is zoned, or cystidia may be arranged in 1-3 irregular layers. Spores are mostly pip-shaped, and aid separation of the species from others in the section.

Westland: Staircase Creek, 2,000 feet, November, 1952, S.D. Baker, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11871.

Aristotelia serrata (Forst. f.) Oliver. Wellington: Pohangina Reserve, 200ft, September, 1953, G.H.C. Beilschmiedia tawa (A. Cunn.) Hook. f. & Benth. Auckland: Lake Waikaraeiti Track, 2,800ft, September, 1950, G.H.C.; Earthquake Flat, Rotorua. 1,500ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Brachyglottis repanda Forst. Auckland: Mt. Pihanga, 2,000ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Carpodetus serratus Forst. Auckland: Moumoukai Valley, Hunua Range, October, 1946, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma arborea Kirk. Auckland: Little Barrier Island, 200ft, November, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma areolata Cheesem. Auckland: Whangarei Heads, October, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma australis (A. Rich.) Robinson. Auckland: Mt. Hauhaugatahi, 2,800 feet, February, 1952, G.H.C.; Atkinson Park, Titirangi, 900ft, June, 1953, J.M. Dingley; Mountain Road, Henderson, 800ft, September, 1.953, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Botanical Gardens, Kelburn, 200ft, January, 1927, G.H.C. Coprosma foetidissima Forst. Otago: Horse Shoe Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma robusta Raoul. Auckland: Moumoukai Valley, Hunua Range, October, 1946, J.M. Dingley; Mt. Te Aroha, 880ft; November, 1946 G.H.C.; Ketetahi Springs, Mt. Tongariro, 4,800ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley; Mt. Maunganui, coast, January, 1950, M. Hodgkins; Waiomo Valley, Thames, June. 1950, J.M. Dingley; Rangitoto Island, July, 1950, J.M. Dingley; Purewa Bush, August, 1950. D.W. McKenzie; Old Exhibition Drive, Titirangi, 800ft; October, 1950, J.M. Dingley; Kohekohe, February, 1952, J.M. Dingley; Campbell's Bay, July, 1953, J.M. Dingley; Te Kouru, Coromandel Peninsula, August, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Waiomo Valley, Thames, August, 1954, S.D. Baker. Wellington; Lake Papaetonga, 50ft, October, 1930; G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 3719, Kahuterawa River, October, 1930. G.H.C. Fuchsia excorticata L.f. Westland: Weheka, 600ft, December, 1946, J.M. Dingley. Macropiper excelsum (Forst. f.) Miq. Auckland: Woods' Bay, Titirangi, July, 1948, J.M. Dingley. Melicytus ramiflorus Forst. Auckland: Little Barrier Island, November, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax arboreum (Forst. f.) Seem. Auckland: Wairongomai Valley, Te Aroha, October, 1948, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax colensoi (Hook. f.) Seem. Auckland: Mt. Pihanga, 2,000ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Olearia furfuracea (A. Rich.) Hook. f. Auckland: Mt. Te Aroha, 800ft, November, 1946, G.H.C.; Mt. Maunganui, 300ft, December, 1949, M. Hodgkins. Oxylobium callistachys Benth. Auckland: Campbell's Bay, November, 1946, Mrs. E.E. Chamberlain. Pittosporum colensoi Hook. f. Otago: Garden Mound, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Pseudopanax crassifolium (Sol.) Koch. Auckland: Mt. Tongariro, 2,500ft, December, 1930, G.H.C. Rhopalostylis sapida (Sol.) Wendl. & Drude. Auckland: Swanson. December, 1945, J.M. Dingley. Senecio kirkii Hook. f. Auckland: Wairongomai Valley, Te Aroha, October, 1948, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, sometimes perennial, ceraceous, adnate, at first developing as orbicular colonies 2-10 mm across, coalescing to form effused areas to 24 x 5 cm; surface at first salmon-pink or flesh-pink, fading to pallid pink, palid buff, or cream, even or somewhat rugulose especially at margins where colonies have merged, not creviced; margin thinning out, 0.5-2 mm broad, fibrillose, white, adnate. Context white, not zoned, 250-800 µ thick, basal layer of parallel hyphae, occupying about one-half of the context, dense, often somewhat sclerotioid and tinted near the substratum, intermediate layer of vertical densely arranged hyphae; generative hyphae 3-3.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 70 µ deep, composed of basidia, paraphyses, gloeocystidia and cystidia arranged in a dense palisade. Basidia clavate, 48-56 x 7-9 µ, projecting to 12 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata delicate, to 5 µ long. Gloeocystidia confined to the hymenial layer, sometimes projecting to 20 µ, abundant or scanty, cylindrical or fusiform, 40-80 x 6-9 µ, apices rounded, sometimes long acuminate, walls 0.5 µ thick. Cystidia confined to the hymenial and intermediate layers, abundant or scanty, not projecting, conical with long, sometimes distorted or furcate pedicels, 40-64 x 10-16 µ, densely and coarsely crystal coated on upper third, naked below. Spores elliptical, a few suballantoid, 10-12 x 4.5-5 µ, walls smooth; hyaline, 0.25 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark or decorticated wood of dead branches.

Hymenophorum annuum, interdum perenne, ceraceum, adnatuin, effusum; superficie salmonea vel carnea, aequa vel rugulosa, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-3.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia clavata, 48-56 x 7-9 µ, 4 sporis. Gloeocystidia cylindricalia vel fusiformia, 40-80 x 6-9 µ. Cystidia conica, 40-64 x 10-16 µ, crystallis crassis tecta. Sporae ellipticae, aliquot suballantoides, 10-12 x 4.5-5 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

P. coprosmae resembles P. incarnata in several features, but differs in the conical cystidia, larger spores, and especially in the copious development of the basal layer, which may occupy more than half the bulk of the context. As with P. incarnata, the species shows many variations in different collections. Colour of the surface may be flesh-pink or salmon; on drying it changes to pallid pink, cream tinged with pink, or buff. Gloeocystidia may be abundant or scanty, and vary appreciably in length and shape. Cystidia also vary in size, numbers, and length of the stout often furcate pedicels. Basal hyphae become densely compacted towards the substratum, often appearing; almost sclerotioid and sometimes tinted fuscous. Some collections may be perennial, indicated by several obscure zones of cystidia and gloeocystidia
P. coprosmae and P. incarnata fall within the section "Coloratae" of Bourdot & Galzin (1928, 319) because of:surface colour, ceraceous context and suballantoid spores. P. coprosmae does not agree with any overseas species seen in Kew herbarium. It has similar marginal and growth features to P. aurantiaca (Bres.) H. & L., differing in colour, appreciably smaller spores of different shape; and smaller basidia. According to J. Eriksson (1950, 14) spores of that species are ovate, 14-20 x 7-12 µ.

Wellington; Lake Papaetonga, 50ft, October, 1930; G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 3719

Beilschmiedia tarairi (A. Cunn.) Benth. & Hook. f. Auckland: Kaukapakapa, February, 1949, M. Dye. Beilschmiedia tawa (A. Cunn.) Hook. f. & Benth. Auckland: Lake Rotoiti, 1,200ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Lake Rotoehu, 1,200ft, September, 1954, G.H.C. Brachyglottis repanda Forst. Auckland: Rangitoto Island; July, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma australis (A. Rich.) Robinson. Auckland: Ruatewhenua, Waitakeres, August, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma lucida Forst. Auckland: Coromandel Peninsula, October, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Corynocarpus laevigata Forst. Auckland: Piha, September, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Dacrydium kirkii F. Muell. Auckland: Waipoua Kauri Forest, September, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Dysoxylum spectabile (Forst. f.) Hook. f. Auckland: Wood's Bay, Titirangi, July, 1948, J.M. Dingley. Eucalyptus globulus Lab. Auckland: Silverdale, October, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Waverley, 400ft, December, 1946, Mrs E.E. Chamberlain. Fuchsia excorticata L.f. Auckland: Moumoukai Valley, Hunua Range, July, 1946, J.M. Dingley; Mt. Pihanga, Turangi, 2,000ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Lake Rotoehu, 1,200ft, June, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Lake Okataina, 1,500ft, May, 1952, December, 1953, G.H.C. Knightia excelsa R. Br. Auckland: Upper Piha Valley, Waitakeres, September, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Leptospermum scoparium. Forst. Auckland: Titirangi, Waitakeres, 900ft, April, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Melicytus ramiflorus Forst. Auckland: Purewa Bush, August, 1948, J.M. Dingley. Metrosideros tomentosa A. Rich. Auckland: Piha, November, 1945, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus truncata (Col.) Ckn. Auckland: tittle Barrier Island, 300ft, November, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax arboreum (Forst. f.) Seem. Auckland: Mt. Tongariro, 2,500ft, January, 1947, G.H.C.; Kauri Glen, Northcote, August, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Olea lanceolata Hook. f. Auckland: Omahutu State Forest, 750ft, June, 1948, J.M. Dingley. Pseudopanax crassifolium (Sol.) Koch. Auckland: Te Whaiti, 1,500ft, June, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Schefflera digitata Forst. Westland: Weheka, 600ft, December, 1946, J.M. Dingley. Weinmannia racemosa L.f. Westland: Waiho, 600ft, November, 1946, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore perennial, ceraceous, adnate, tending to lift when old, effused forming irregular areas 8-15 x 3-5 cm, with scattered orbicular or linear outlying islands; surface exhibiting a wide range of colours--slate-grey, fawn, pallid livid, reddish-brown, ochre, and when old various shades of grey, brown, or plum--at first even, and where fertile finely velutinate, becoming deeply finely areolately creviced; margin abrupt, or thinning out, white, soon grey, adnate. Context appearing brown, 300-900 µ thick, showing numerous bands of alternating brown and tinted zones 40-80 µ deep, delimited by brown mucilage granules coating hyphae and cystidia in parallel bands, basal layer of parallel hyphae scantily developed, intermediate layer of scanty vertical hyphae; generative hyphae 2-2.5 µ diameter, walls 0.25 µ thick, naked, hyaline, branched, septate, without clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 40 µ deep, a palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia clavate, projecting slightly, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 5 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, 12-14 x 3-4 µ. Cystidia arranged in numerous overlapping layers in the hymenial and intermediate layers, narrowly conical, 30-50 x 10-16 µ, coarsely crystal coated, in the hymenial layer projecting to 20 µ. Spores elliptical, some suballantoid, 4.5-5.5 x 2-2.5 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.1 µ thick.

TYPE LOCALITY. Waitaki, New Zealand. DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark and decorticated dead wood.

Collections listed match the type in Kew herbarium, ex "N.Z. Waitaki, No. 347". A second specimen in Kew herbarium, ex "Colenso, b. 288", was filed by Cooke under Corticium laeve Pers. ex Fr. The thick fructifications contain many cystidia arranged in numerous overlapping rows which under a lens appear to be composed of brown and hyaline or tinted zones. Under the microscope the brown zones are seen to be formed from parallel bands of brown mucilage granules coating cystidia, pedicels and hyphae. Surface colour varies appreciably, ranging from reddish-grey to reddish-brown or ochre with violaceous or purple tints.

Beilschmiedia tawa (A. Cunn.) Hook. f. & Benth. Auckland: Lake Rotoehu, 1,300ft, June, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Brachyglottis repanda Forst. Auckland: White's Stream, Piha, January 1953, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Turakina Valley, 200ft, January, 1954, G.H.C. Carpodetus serratus Forst. Auckland: Kauaeranga Valley, Thames, October, 1950, August, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Oratia, Waitakeres, 1,000ft, July, 1951 J.M. Dingley; Swanson. 300ft, April, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Whitianga Road, Coromandel Peninsula, 500ft, October, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Otago: Horse Shoe Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Bragg's Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma robusta Raoul. Auckland: Earthquake Flat, Rotorua, 1,500ft June, 1952, G.H.C.; Lake Okataina, 1,500ft, June, 1952, G.H.C.; Rangitoto Island, June, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Otago: Horse Shoe Bay, Stewart Island February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Melicytus ramiflorus Forst. Auckland: Kauaeranga Valley, Thames, August 1954, S.D. Baker. Myoporum laetum Forst. Auckland: Piha, March, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Myrtus bullata Sol. Auckland: Lake Rotoehu, 1,200ft, September, 1954, G.H.C. Nothopanax anomalum (Hook.) Seem. Auckland: Waitakere Dam, October 1951, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax arboreum (Forst. f.) Seem. Westland: Pukekura, November 1954, J.M Dingley. Pittosporum eugenioides A. Cunn. Auckland: Mt. Pihanga, 2,000ft, October 1949, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7363. Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. Auckland: Hatepe, 650ft, March 1953, J.M. Dingley; Mountain Road, Henderson, 1,000ft, September, 1953, J.M. Dingley; Coromandel Peninsula, 1,600ft, August, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Pseudopanax crassifolium (Sol.) Koch. Auckland: Mt. Karioi, Raglan, March 1951, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, occasionally biennial, membranous, adnate, effused forming irregularly linear areas 6-10 x 1-2 cm; surface cream, drying cream or pallid ochre, velutinate, even or slightly tuberculate, becoming deeply areolately creviced; margin thinning out, white, fibrillose, adnate. Context white, sometimes of two layers, 120-200 µ thick, basal layer thin, of parallel hyphae; intermediate layer well developed, of somewhat densely intertwined mainly upright hyphae embedding cystidia; generative hyphae 4-6 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, without clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 50 µ deep, a close palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, slightly projecting, 24-30 x 5-6 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata at first digitate, becoming slender, arcuate, to 8 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, about half the size of the basidia. Cystidia arising in the base of the hymenial layer when projecting to 60 µ, and in the intermediate layer, cylindrical with rounded ends; often geniculated, distorted, or angled, occasionally strangulated or moniliform, coarsely crystal coated or the upper part naked, 40-90 x 6-10 µ, lumen with two or three septa. Spores elliptical, 7-9 x 3.5-4 µ, walls smooth; hyaline, 0.2 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches.

Hymenophorum annuum, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea, aequa, alte areolatae rimosa. Hyphae contextus afibulatae, 4-6 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 24-30 x 5-6 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia cylindricalia, saepe tortuosa vel geniculata, septata, 40-90 x 6-10 µ, crystallis tecta vel apice nudo. Sporae ellipticae, 7-9 x 3.5-4 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Features enabling the species to be identified are the long, narrow, often geniculated or distorted, septate cystidia, elliptical spores and absence of clamp connexions. Septate cystidia are unusual, this being the only species present in New Zealand possessing them, though several extralimital species have been described with such a feature, namely, P. aspera (Pers.) Sacc. (= P. setigera (Fr.) H. & L.), P. pallidula Bres. (which may be a form of Odontia arguta), P. byssoides (Pers. ex Fr.) Bres., and P. polonensis (Bres.) H. & L. All differ, among other features, in possessing clamp connexions.

Auckland: Mt. Pihanga, 2,000ft, October 1949, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7363.

Brachyglottis repanda Forst. Auckland: Taneatua Reserve, 50ft, May, 1952, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11484 Hedycarya arborea Forst. Auckland: Lake Okataina, 1,400ft, June, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Weinmannia racemosa L.f. Wellington: Ohakune, 2,000ft, December, 1953, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, sometimes biennial, membranous, adnate, effused forming irregular linear areas 12-15 x 3-5 cm; surface dingy white or pallid cream, velutinate, not creviced; margin thinning out, membranous, adnate, sometimes tending to lift. Context white, 50-130 µ thick, basal layer narrow, of parallel hyphae, intermediate layer scanty, of closely compacted hyphae collapsed when old, many crystal coated; generative hyphae 2.5-4 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, with inconspicuous small clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 35 µ deep, an irregular palisade of basidia, paraphyses, paraphysate hyphae and cystidia. Basidia subclavate or subcylindrical, projecting, 20-25 x 7-9 µ, 2-4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, to 8 µ long. Paraphyses scanty, subclavate, to 18 x 7 µ. Paraphysate hyphae abundant, projecting to 18 µ, 2-3 µ diameter, each bearing a cap of acicular crystals. Cystidia arising from the base of the intermediate layer, emerging for the greater part of their length, subulate, 120-210 x 12-16 µ, bases rounded and inflated; apices long-acuminate, thick-walled, rugulose-roughened or etched, sometimes with a few crystals and enclosed within a sheath of delicate hyphae. Spores globose, subglobose, oval sometimes broadly elliptical, 7-11 x 6-9 µ, strongly apiculate, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.25 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches.

Hymenophoram annuum vel biennale, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie griseo-alba vel pallide cremea, velutina, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 2.5-4 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata vel subcylindricalia, eminentia, 20-25 x 7-9 µ, 2-4 sporis. Hyphae paraphysum apice crystallis coronatae. Cystidia subulata, eminentia, 120-210 x 12-16 µ, caelata, velut si crystallis tenuibus tecta. Sporae globosae, subglobosae vel ovales, 7-11 x 6-9 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Among the species with radicate cystidia, P. gladiola and P. hastata are outstanding, none approaching them having been seen in Kew herbarium. Cystidia are subulate, project far beyond the delicate context, walls are thickened, become partly disorganized in KOH, and are rugulose-roughened as if etched, rather than crystal coated. Frequently they are enmeshed in a hyphal sheath as in P. vermifera.
P. gladiola is differentiated by the large basidia, subglobose or oval smooth spores with granular contents, and presence of paraphysate hyphae. The last are slender, project, and bear on their apices caps of acicular crystals. They may be plentiful or scanty in different collections, but are always present. Basidia sometimes bear two spores which are slightly larger than those from the tetrasporous forms.

Auckland: Taneatua Reserve, 50ft, May, 1952, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11484

Hymenophore annual, membranous, adnate, effused forming numerous small elliptical colonies in bark crevices, 1-5 x 0.5-1.5 cm; surface white, velutinate, scantily creviced; margin thinning out, arachnoid, adnate, white. Context white, to 60 µ thick, basal layer delicate, of a few parallel hyphae, intermediate layer of scanty, mainly upright, short-celled hyphae; generative hyphae 3-3.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2µ thick, hyaline, often crystal coated, branched, freely septate, with small, inconspicuous clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 20 µ deep, of scanty basidia, paraphyses and abundant cystidia. Basidia subclavate, 12-16 x 5-6 µ, soon collapsing, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 4 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, shorter and narrower than the basidia. Cystidia arising from the base of the intermediate layer and projecting for the greater part of their length, subulate with slightly inflated bases and long-acuminate apices, 110-190 x 10-14 µ, thick-walled, rugulose-roughened or etched, sometimes bearing a few crystals and enmeshed in a delicate hyphal sheath. Spores broadly elliptical, ovate, obovate, sometimes flattened on one side, 5-6 x 4-5 µ, walls finely verruculose, hyaline, 0.5 µ thick, soon collapsed.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused in bark crevices on dead branches.

Hymenophorum annuum, membranaceum, adnatum, ellipticum, 1-5 x 0.5-1.5 cm; superficie alba, velutina, rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-3.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 12-16 x 5-6 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia. subulata, eminentia, 110-190 x 10-14 µ, caelata, velut si crystallis tenuibus tecta. Sporae late ellipticae vel obovate, 5-6 x 4-5 µ, subtiliter verruculosae, hyalinae.

Close to P. gladiola, differing in the smaller basidia, smaller elliptical spores with finely verruculose walls, and absence of paraphysate hyphae.

Griselinia lucida Forst. Auckland: Glen Esk Valley, Piha, May, 1951, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11442.

Dacrydium cupressinicm Sol. Westland: Pukekura, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Fuchsia excorticata L.f. Auckland: Lake Okataina, 1,500ft, December, 1953, G.H.C. Schefflera digitata Forst. Auckland: Whitianga Road, Coromandel Peninsula, 750ft, August, 1954, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 13825.

Hymenophore perennial, ceraceous, adnate, effused forming irregular colonies 8-12 x 1-3 cm. with numerous scattered, irregularly orbicular outlying islands; surface cream, with pallid ochre patches, somewhat tuberculate, irregularly creviced; margin thinning out, often receding in successive layers, fibrillose, adnate. Context white, 200-300 µ thick, composed of several (4-7) zones of irregular thickness, each with a basal layer of partly gelatinized hyphae, and an intermediate layer of often anastomosed mainly upright hyphae embracing scattered cystidia and gloeocystidia; generative hyphae 3-3.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 30 µ deep, a scanty palisade of basidia, paraphyses, cystidia and gloeocystidia. Basidia cylindrical with depressed middles, or with inflated bases, projecting, 16-20 x 5-8 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, slender, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, scanty, about half the length of the basidia. Gloeocystidia arranged in several irregular zones, arising from the basal layer of each zone, oval, elliptical, or obovate, 24-32 x 12-16 µ, occasionally to 25 µ wide, walls 1 µ thick. Cystidia arranged in several irregular zones, arising from the basal layer of each zone, ovate, elliptical, or conical, 24-35 x 12-20 µ, becoming stouter progressively towards the base, coarsely crystal coated. Spores globose or subglobose, 5-6 x 5-5.5 µ, walls delicately verruculose, hyaline, 0.75 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark or decorticated dead wood.

Hymenophorum perenne, stratosum, ceraceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea, tuberculatiore, rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-3.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia cylindricalia, in medio depressa, 16-20 x 5-8 µ, 4 sporis. Gloeocystidia ovata vel obovata, 24-32 x 12-16 µ. Cystidia ovata vel elliptica. 24-35 x 12-20 µ, crystallis crassis tecta. Sporae globosae vel subglobosae, 5-6 µ diam., verruculosae, hyalinae.

Though included in the same section as P. incarnata and P. coprosmae, P. inconstans differs markedly in several features, chiefly in the small oval or pyriform gloeocystidia and cystidia arranged in layers with parallel gelatinized hyphae between, finely verruculose globose spores and peculiar basidia. The last are cylindrical with middles constricted and bases somewhat inflated. Gloeocystidia and cystidia are compacted into rows in each layer of the stratose context; and because of their erratic distribution, the specific name has been given. They are mixed indiscriminately in each row, though gloeocystidia tend to predominate in younger tissues, cystidia in older.

Auckland: Whitianga Road, Coromandel Peninsula, 750ft, August, 1954, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 13825.

Acacia dealbata Link. Auckland: Campbell's Bay, December, 1953, E.E. Chamberlain. Beilsehmiedia tawa (A. Cunn.) Hook. f. & Benth. Auckland: Lake Rotoehu, 1,300ft, June, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Huia, November, 1952, J.M. Dingley. Leptospermum scoparium Forst. Auckland: Kawhia Harbour, coast, January 1953, J. D. Atkinson, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11845; Huia, 200ft, January, 1954; E.E. Chamberlain. Melicytus ramiflorus Forst. Otago: Lake Alabaster, December, 1949, J.M. Dingley. Meryta sinclairii (Hook. f.) Seem. Auckland: Campbell's Bay, January, 1954, E.E. Chamberlain. Nothopanax arboreum (Forst. f.) Seem. Auckland: Lake Okataina, 1,500ft, September, 1954. G.H.C. Quintinia serrata A. Cunn. Westland: Pukekura, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Schefjlera digitata Forst. Auckland: Moumoukai Valley, Hunua Range, March, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Tecoma sp. Auckland: Mt. Albert, June, 1953, E.E. Chamberlain.

Hymenophore perennial, membranous, adnate, effused forming irregular areas 6-10 x 3-4 cm; surface white or pallid cream, drying white or sometimes tinted ochre, even, at length deeply laterally creviced and lifting at the edges; margin abruptly thinning out, adnate, concolorous, delicately fibrillose. Context white, to 600 µ thick, basal layer a delicate band of parallel gelatinized hyphae; intermediate layer of intertwined hyphae forming many scattered lacunae each containing one cystidium; generative by phae 3-3.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, without clamp connexions, staining deeply. Hymenial layer to 40 µ deep, a scanty palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, not projecting, 25-30 x 7-8 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses scanty, subclavate, smaller than the basidia. Cystidia abundant, developing in lacunae in the context and hymenium, projecting to 10 µ, fusiform, 24-45 x 10-16 µ, coarsely and irregularly crystal coated, crystals disappearing from basal cystidia. Spores ovate or oval, sometimes with one side flattened, apiculate, 6-8.5 x 5-6 µ, walls smooth. hyaline, 0.5 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark or decorticated dead wood.

Hymenophorum perenne, stratosum, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie alba vel pallide cremea, aequa, alte rimosa. Hyphae contextas afibulatae, 3-3.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 25-30 x 7-8 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia fusiformia, 24-45 x 10-16 µ, crystallis crassis tecta. Sporae ovatae vel ovales, 6-8.5 x 5-6 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Sections show the context to be composed of an irregular honeycomb of woven context hyphae enclosing abundant lacunae, each containing a solitary cystidium carried on a brief pedicel. In thick specimens crystals tend to disappear from lower cystidia, leaving the small naked pedicels attached to the bases of the lacunae.

Auckland: Kawhia Harbour, coast, January 1953, J. D. Atkinson, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11845

Beilschmiedia tawa (A. Cunn.) Hook. f. & Benth. Auckland: Lake Okataina, 1,400ft, May, 1952, G.H.C. Coprosma arborea Kirk. Auckland: Huia, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Coprosma australis (A. Rich.) Robinson. Auckland: Mt. Te Aroha, 1,400ft, September, 1954, G.H.C. Geniostoma ligustrifolium A. Cunn. Auckland: Kauaeranga Valley, Thames, June, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Laurelia novaezealandiae A. Cunn. Auckland: Mt. Te Aroha, 1,200ft, September, 1954, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 13828. Senecio kirkii Hook. f. Auckland: Orenui, Hunua Range, March, 1953, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, cretaceous, adnate, at first appearing as numerous maculiform colonies, merging to form linear areas to 15 x 5 cm; surface rich cream, cream with a pink tinge, or buff, pruinose, tardily creviced; margin thinning out, white, fibrillose, adnate. Context white or buff, not zoned, 60-120 µ thick, basal layer of a few compacted parallel hyphae, intermediate layer of scanty vertical hyphae almost buried in masses of cystidia; generative hyphae 3-3.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions, staining blue. Hymenial layer almost obscured by masses of cystidia, to 25 µ deep, a tenuous palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, projecting, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata erect, slender, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, similar to but shorter than the basidia. Cystidia crowded in context and hymenium, projecting to 20 µ, narrowly fusiform, conical, or subulate, 16-35 x 8-12 µ, coarsely crystal coated. Spores elliptical or sometimes flattened on one side, with rounded ends, apiculate, 6-7 x 3.5-4 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.25 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches and twigs.

Hymenophorum annuum, cretaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea vel bubalina, pruinosa, tarde rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-3.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia anguste fusiformia, conica vel subulata, 16-35 x 8-12 µ, crystallis teeta. Sporae ellipticae, 6-7 x 3.5-4 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Six species are included in a section, plants of which possess crystal coated cystidia, arranged in layers or overlapping series, but lack gloeoeystidia and vesicles. They have been divided into two sub-sections according to whether they possess or lack clamp connexions. Under the former are placed P. cerebrosa, P. scintillans and P. totara: the latter contains P. crustosa, P. erucaeforma and P. sacrata.
Context hyphae and the hymenium of P. scintillans are almost hidden by compact masses of cystidia, arranged in overlapping series without definite segregation into layers. Young plants may be confused with specimens of P. sacrata, for context hyphae and spores of both stain with aniline blue and at first cystidia may be enclosed within lacunae as with the latter species. Separation may be made by the differently shaped spores and presence of clamp connexions.

Auckland: Mt. Te Aroha, 1,200ft, September, 1954, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 13828.

Hymenophore annual, membranous, adnate, effused forming irregular areas to 7 x 4 cm; surface white or ivory white, even, not creviced; margin thinning out, arachnoid, white, adnate. Context white, 60-100 µ thick, basal layer scanty, of parallel hyphae; intermediate layer of loosely arranged ascending hyphae branched at a wide angle, corymbose in the subhymenium; generative hyphae 3-4 µ diameter, walls 0.25 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with conspicuous clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 25 µ deep, a scanty and irregular palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, arcuate, 6-8 µ long. Paraphyses scanty, subclavate, or cylindrical, shorter than the basidia. Cystidia arising from hyphae of the intermediate and basal layers, projecting to 60 µ, aculeate with long-acuminate apices, 64-105 x 5-7 µ, coated save at apices with scanty flattened crystals, walls hyaline, 0.5-1 µ thick, thinning towards apices. Spores elliptical when flattened on one side, or suballantoid, 7-9 x 4-5 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.1 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on dead leaf midribs.

Hymenophorum annuum, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie alba, aequa, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-4 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 16-20 x 4-5 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia aculeata, eminentia, 64-105 x 5-7 µ, crystallis sparsis verrucosis tecta. Sporae elliptical vel suballantoides, 7-9 x 4-5 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

P. sororia and P. longispora show a close resemblance in structure of the context and especially the form of the cystidia. The latter are aculeate, taper from base to apex, project for about half their length, are relatively thin-walled, and bear small tuberculate scattered crystals often arranged like plates or scales. P. sororia is separated by its differently shaped shorter spores, and more delicate cystidia being, as its name implies, a little sister of the more robust P. longispora.

Rhopalostylis sapida (Sol.) Wendl. & Drude. Auckland: Cascades, Waitakeres, 900ft, April, 1954, S.D. Baker, type collection, P.D.D.herbarium, No. 13816.

Hymenophore a tenuous greyish film barely visible upon the substratum, annual, arachnoid, adnate, to 5 x 2 cm, surface clingy white, delicately pruinose, arachnoid; margin arachnoid, white, adnate. Context a tenuous layer 10-18 µ thick, basal layer of a few repent hyphae, soon collapsed, intermediate layer absent; generative hyphae 2-2.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer composed of scattered basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia arising directly from the basal layer, clavate, 6-8 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, 2-4 µ long. Paraphyses scanty, subclavate, about half the size of the basidia. Cystidia arising in the base of the context and projecting for the greater part of their length, cylindrical or slightly attenuated towards their apices, 45-64 x 4-6 µ, bases forked, apices rounded and inflated, lumen capillary, save at apex where expanded and bulbous, walls naked or as often enmeshed in delicate hyphal sheaths. Spores globose, apiculate, 3.5-4 µ diameter, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on decayed decorticated logs.

Hymenophorum annuum, tenue, arachnoideum, adnatum; superficie griseo-alba, pruinosa, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 2-2.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia clavata, 6-8 x 4-5 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia cylindricalia, eminentia, 45-64 x 4-6 µ, apice inflato, nudo vel in reticulo hypharum. Sporae globosae, 3-5-4 µ diam., laeves, hyalinae.

This delicate species may be identified by the cystidia, small basidia, small globose spores and absence of an intermediate layer. Cystidia project for almost their entire length and are cylindrical with inflated apices; walls, save at the apices, are so thickened that the lumen is capillary, and are destroyed with potassium hydroxide solutions. They become enmeshed in hyphal sheaths. Apices are thin-walled and inflated, so that the cystidia, like those of P. gracillima, resemble small inverted thermometers. Basidia are small, clavate, and develop directly from hyphae of the basal layer. Fructifications appear as a delicate white or greyish arachnoid film upon the surface of decayed logs; visible to the eye when fresh, in the herbarium fertile portions can be seen only with the aid of a dissecting microscope.
The species resembles P. accedens Bourd. & Galz. in the shape of the cystidia, but differs in. the smaller basidia, globose spores and more delicate fructifications.

Metrosideros robusta A. Cunn. Auckland: Hick's Bay, 300ft, May, 1952, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 11483.

Podocarpus hallii Kirk. Auckland: Mt. Tongariro, 3,000ft, January, 1547, G.H.C.; Silica Springs Track, Mt. Ruapehu. 2,800ft, January, 1954, S.D. Baker; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium. No. 13573. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 3,000ft, January, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Podocarpus totara Don. Auckland: Waipoua Kauri Forest, September, 1949, J.M. Dingley; Mamaku Forest, 1,800ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 2,500ft, March, 1951, J.M. Dingley; Dawson Falls. Mt. Egmont, 2,800ft, January, 1952, J.M. Dingley. Otago: Ulva Islet, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore perennial, cretaceous, adnate though tending to lift with the bark when dry, effused forming irregularly linear areas to 28 x 5 cm, or sometimes numerous irregularly elliptical colonies 1-3 x 1-2 cm; surface cream, staining ochre in patches, even, at length scantily, somewhat areolately, creviced; margin thinning out, sometimes abrupt and cliff-like, concolorous, adnate, compact. Context white, 0.2-1 mm thick, composed of numerous layers each 35-55 µ deep, basal layer narrow, of compacted partly gelatinized parallel hyphae, intermediate layer of mainly vertical hyphae and irregular rows of cystidia; generative hyphae 3.5-4 µ diameter, wall 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 40 µ deep, a close palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, projecting, 16-22 x 5-6 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, 14-16 x 4-5 µ. Cystidia cylindrical with apices rounded or bluntly acuminate, sometimes narrowly conical, arranged in dense rows in the context and hymenium, 16-34 x 7-9 µ, coarsely crystal coated, tending to disappear from the base. Spores elliptical, apiculate, 7-8 x 4-4.5 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches and trunks.

Hymenophorum perenne, stratosum, cretaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea, aequa, raro rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3.5-4 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 16-22 x 5-6 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia cylindricalia, 16-34 x 7-9 µ, crystallis crassis tecta. Sporae ellipticae, 7-8 x 4-4.5 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Specific features are the perennial thick context with stratose, cylindrical cystidia arranged in zones separated from one another by parallel bands of partly gelatinized hyphae, and small elliptical spores. Cystidia are small, crystal coated throughout, often arranged somewhat irregularly, and tend to disappear from basal layers of thick specimens, leaving lacunae in the tissues. Spores are scantily developed and tend to collapse soon after reaching maturity.
In its perennial stratose fructifications, masses of cystidia and small spores, the species resembles P. crustosa. The latter may be separated by the brown zones of the context, formed from granules of mucilage arranged in parallel bands. P. totara appears to be confined to two species of Podocarpus, the Maori name for both being totara, hence the specific name.

Auckland: Mt. Tongariro, 3,000ft, January, 1547, G.H.C.; Silica Springs Track, Mt. Ruapehu. 2,800ft, January, 1954, S.D. Baker; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium. No. 13573.

Leptospermum, ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Great King Island, Three Kings, January, 1952, E.E. Chamberlain. Pseudowintera colorata (Raoul) Dandy. Otago: Horse Shoe Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 13660.

Hymenophore annual, membranous, adnate, effused forming small irregular colonies 1-4 x 0.5-2 cm; surface cream, even though at first often porose, not creviced; margin thinning out, arachnoid, white, adnate. Context white, 30-50 µ thick, basal layer of a few repent hyphae, intermediate layer of scanty mainly upright hyphae 4-5 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, often inflated between septa, with small inconspicuous clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 20 µ deep, a loose palisade of basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, 10-14 x 5-6 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, upright, to 5 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, 8-10 x 4 µ. Cystidia arising from the basal layer or subhymenium and projecting to 50 µ, cylindrical, 35-70 x 10-12 µ, naked, bases rounded, tapering to apices where each is capped with a crystalline body, to 8 µ diameter, resembling a minute parasol, with radiating ridges terminating in acute spines, walls thickened to 3 µ. Spores elliptical, sometimes flattened on one side, or obovate, apiculate, 5-6 x 3-3.5 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.25 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark or decorticated dead wood.

Hymenophorum annuum, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea, aequa, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 4-5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 10-14 x 5-6 µ, 4 sporis. Cystidia cylindricalia, eminentia, in apicem umbracullo crystallorum coniunctorum coronatum tectum fastigata, 35-70 x 6-12 µ, nuda. Sporae ellipticae vel obovatae, 5-6 x 3-3.5 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Cystidia delimit the species. They project for the greater part of their length, are moderately thick-walled, taper from the bases, and bear upon the apices caps of fused crystals which resemble minute parasols. The exterior of each cap is ribbed and ribs terminate in acute down-pointed spines. But one other species with such a feature has been described-namely, P. hamata Jacks., which differs in the larger basidia and differently shaped spores. Stems of the cystidia are naked, and destroyed with potassium hydroxide though apical caps remain unaltered.

Otago: Horse Shoe Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 13660.

Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Little Huia, 200ft, February 1949, Mrs. E.E. Chamberlain; Little Barrier Island, 500ft, November, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Leptospermum scoparium Forst. Auckland: Anawhata Road, Waitakeres, 1,000ft, September, 1949, J.M. Dingley; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7348; Mountain Road, Henderson, 800ft, September; 1950; J.M. Dingley; Waitakere Dam, 900ft, October, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Otago: Ryan's Creek, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Melicytus ramiflorus Forst. Auckland: Atkinson Park, Waitakeres, 900ft, June 1953, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus menziesii (Hook. f.) Oerst. Otago: Alton Valley, Tuatapere. 400ft, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax arboreum (Forst. f.) Seem. Auckland: Mairoa, February, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Plagianthus betulinus A. Cunn. Wellington: Kitchener Park, Feilding, 100ft, January, 1954, G.H.C. Podocarpus totara Don. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 3,000ft, March, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Tetrapathaea tetranda (Banks & Sol.) Cheesem. Auckland: Karekare, July, 1954, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, sometimes perennial, membranous, adnate, effused forming linear areas to 12 x 2 cm, with a few small outlying irregular islands; surface at first cream, drying pallid ochre, even, delicately pruinose, not creviced; margin thinning out, white or pallid cream, fibrillose, adnate. Context white, not zoned, 250-400 µ thick, basal layer narrow, of closely arranged mainly parallel hyphae, intermediate layer of loosely arranged mainly ascending hyphae becoming vertical and compacted beneath the hymenium, containing numerous vesicles and cystidia; generative hyphae to 4 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick; hyaline, naked; branched, septate, with large clamp connexions. Hymenial. layer to 40 µ deep, of basidia, paraphyses, paraphysate hyphae, cystidia and rare gloeocystidia. Basidia clavate, not projecting, 30-35 x 6-7 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, smaller and narrower than the basidia. Paraphysate hyphae abundant, projecting, sometimes branched near apices, to 4 µ diameter. Gloeocystidia flexuous-cylindrical, projecting to 25 µ, often scanty, sometimes with apices slightly strangulated; 60-72 x 6-8 µ, walls 0.5 µ thick. Vesicles abundant in the intermediate layer and sometimes extending into the hymenial layer, pyriform, 10-14 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick. Cystidia arising in the intermediate layer, some penetrating the hymenium and projecting to 30 µ, narrowly conical with long acuminate apices, 60-112 x 12-16 µ, finely crystal coated. Spores long-elliptical, some suballantoid, with rounded ends, 11-14 x 3.5-4 µ, walls hyaline, smooth, 0.2 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark or decorticated dead wood.

Hymenophorum annuum, vel interdum perenne, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea deinde pallide ochracea, aequa, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3.5-4 µ diam., nudae. Basidia clavata, 30-35 x 6-7 µ, 4 sporis. Gloeocystidia flexuoso-cylindricalia, 60-72 x 6-8 µ. Vesiculis pyriformibus, 10-14 µ diam. Cystidia anguste conica, 60-112 x 12-16 µ, crystallis tenuibus tecta. Sporae longo-ellipticae aliquot suballantoides, 11-14 x 3.5-4 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Characterized by the large, narrowly conical, finely crystal-coated cystidia, oblong-elliptical somewhat large spores and paraphysate hyphae which may be branched at their apices. Gloeocystidia are scanty, confined to the hymenial region, and frequently strangulated near their apices. Cystidia vary appreciably in length and relative abundance; in some sections they may project, in others scarcely reach the hymenial surface. Occasional collections are stratose.
The species exhibits a general resemblance to P. mutata (Pk.) H. & L., differing in the cystidia, smaller pyriform vesicles, narrower spores and thinner hyphae.

Auckland: Anawhata Road, Waitakeres, 1,000ft, September, 1949, J.M. Dingley; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7348

Hymenophore annual, membranous, adnate, effused forming irregular linear areas 0.5-6 x 0.5-1.5 cm, with numerous scattered outlying islands; surface white, then pallid cream, even, not creviced; margin thinning out, white, arachnoid, adnate. Context white, 50-70 µ thick, basal layer of a few repent hyphae, intermediate layer of sparse ascending hyphae branched more freely in the subhymenium; generative hyphae 3-4 µ diameter, walls 0.25 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 25 µ deep, a palisade of basidia, paraphyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia subclavate, 14-18 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata delicate, erect, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, similar to but shorter than the basidia. Gloeocystidia arising from the basal layer, projecting for the greater part of their length; cylindrical. 70-105 x 5-7 µ, apices rounded, walls 0.5 µ thick, collapsing. Cystidia arising from the basal layer and confined to the intermediate layer, fusiform or conical. 16-24 x 5-8 µ, coated with deciduous rod-shaped crystals imbricately arranged. Vesicles scanty, arising from the basal layer and confined to the context, occasionally appearing as paraphysate hyphae in the hymenium, 16-20 x 4 µ, capitate apices 5-6 µ across. Spores obovate, oval, broadly elliptical, a few pip-shaped, 5-6 x 3-4 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on decayed decorticated wood.

Hymenophorum annum, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie alba deinde cremea, aequa, non rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-4 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 14-18 x 4-5 µ, 4 sporis. Gloeocystidia cylindricalia, eminentia, 70-105 x 5-7 µ, corruentia. Vesiculis raris, capitatis, ad 6 µ diam. Cystidia fusiformia vel conica, 16-24 x 5-8 µ, crystallis linearibus deciduis tecta. Sporae obovatae, ovales vel late ellipticae, 5-6 x 3-4 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

From the two preceding species [P. vesiculosa, P. utriculosa] this delicate plant may be separated by the simple vesicles, small unusual cystidia, and thin-walled projecting gloeocystidia. Cystidia are confined to the context, fusiform or narrowly conical and coated with coarse rod-shaped deciduous crystals imbricately arranged. Gloeocystidia are cylindrical, project for more than half their length, and collapse soon after reaching maturity. Vesicles arise from the basal layer as simple hyphae with capitate apices. Similar organs are present in the hymenium, developing as capitate paraphysate hyphae. The specific name has been chosen to indicate the modest nature of the cystidia.

Dacrydium cupressinum Sol. Auckland: Hauhangaroa Range, Taupo, 2,000ft, March, 1953, J.M. Dingley; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 12513.

Cyathea medullaris (Forst. f.) Swartz. Auckland: Earthquake Flat, Rotorua, 1,500ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Hemitelia smithii Hook. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 2,700f t, February, 1952, G.H.C.

Hymenophore annual, arachnoid, adnate, effused forming small linear irregular areas 2-8 x 0.5-1 cm; surface dingy white, even, finely velutinate, not creviced; margin thinning out, arachnoid, white, adnate. Context white, 15-25 µ thick, basal layer compact, of mainly parallel hyphae often embedding lenses of crystals, intermediate layer wanting; generative hyphae 2-2.5 µ diameter, walls 0.2 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer an irregular palisade of scattered basidia, paraphyses and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, projecting, 10-16 x 5-6 µ, 2-4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 4 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate or as often obclavate, 10-12 x 4 µ. Cystidia arising from the surface of the basal layer, projecting for the greater part of their length, subulate, 40-80 x 8-12 µ, apices bluntly acuminate, bases forked; apical regions at first coated with coarse deciduous crystals, becoming smooth when cystidia are enmeshed in a hyphal sheath. Spores lunate with acuminate ends, 9-11 x 3.5-4 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick; sometimes adhering in fours.

TYPE LOCALITY. Whakarewarewa, New Zealand. DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on dead pendent stipes of tree ferns.

Features separating the species from P. vermifera are the smaller cystidia and basidia, lunate spores and effused fructifications confined to dead pendent stipes of tree ferns. Many cystidia are at first coated apically with coarse deciduous crystals; these soon disappear, to be replaced by hyphal sheaths. Spores are lunate and may adhere in pairs or fours. Lenses of crystals are often embedded in the context, hyphae of which collapse and become gelatinized. Collections match the type in Kew herbarium, ex "Whakarewarewa, N.Z., W.N. Cheesman, on a fern petiole".

Corynocarpus laevigata Forst. Auckland: Buffalo Beach, Whitianga, November, 1947, E.E. Chamberlain. Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Kauri Glen, Northcote, August, 1951, J.M. Dingley. Leptospermum scoparium Forst. Auckland: Konini Road, Waitakeres, 1,000ft, July, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus fusca (Hook. f.) Oerst. Westland: Ahaura, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax arboreum (Forst. f.) Seem. Auckland: Mountain Road, Waitakeres, 600ft, July, 1950, J.M. Dingley. Pittosporum eugenioides A. Cunn. Auckland: Kaiwaka, May, 1949, J.M. Dingley; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7351; Sprague's Hill, Henderson, 900ft. May, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Weinmannia racemosa L.f. Auckland: Kauaeranga Valley, Thames, August, 1954, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual or perennial, membranous, adnate, effused forming irregular linear areas to 10 x 6 cm, with a few scattered irregular islands; surface cream, becoming yellow-ochre, even, finally creviced irregularly and tending to lift along the edges of the fissures; margin thinning out, pelliculose-fibrillose, adnate, concolorous. Context white or cream, 160-400 µ thick, basal layer broad or narrow, of parallel hyphae, intermediate layer of ascending densely compacted hyphae and cystidia, when zoned of alternating layers of vertical and parallel hyphae; generative hyphae 3-4.5 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick, hyaline, naked, branched, septate, with large clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 45 µ deep, a close palisade of basidia, paraphyses, gloeocystidia and cystidia. Basidia subclavate, 18-25 x 4-5 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses similar to but shorter than the basidia. Gloeocystidia somewhat scanty, confined to the hymenial layer, projecting to 30 µ, flexuous-cylindrical, 35-46 x 5-6 µ, walls 0.5 µ thick. Vesicles confined to the intermediate layer, numerous or scanty, pyriform, 6-12 µ diameter, walls 0-5 µ thick. Cystidia confined to the hymenium and subhymenium, not or scarcely projecting, conical, 40-60 x 12-20 µ, coarsely crystal coated. Spores pip-shaped, 5-6 x 2.5-3 µ, walls hyaline, smooth, 0.2 µ thick; commonly adhering in pairs or fours.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches and stems.

Hymenophorurn annum, vel perenne, membranaceum, adnatum, effusum; superficie cremea deinde ochracea, aequa, inaequaliter rimosa. Hyphae contextus fibulatae, 3-4.5 µ diam., nudae. Basidia subclavata, 18-25 x 4-5 µ, 4 sporis. Gloeocystidia rara, flexuoso-cylindricalia, 35-46 x 5-6 µ. Vesiculis pyriformibus, 6-12 µ diam. Cystidia conica, 40-60 x 12-20 µ, crystallis crassis tecta. Sporae obovatae, attenuato-apiculatae, 5-6 x 2.5-3.5 µ, laeves, hyalinae.

Three species described herein possess vesicles in addition to gloeocystidia and cystidia. In P. vesiculosa and P. utriculosa vesicles are pyriform and arise from lateral branches of the intermediate hyphae; in P. verecunda they are capitate and carried upon short stems arising from the basal layer.
P. vesiculosa may be separated from the others by the coarsely crystal coated conical cystidia confined to the hymenial region, and pip-shaped spores. Fructifications are sometimes composed of several strata. Gloeocystidia are scanty and confined to the hymenial region, project and are often collapsed and difficult to detect. Spores frequently adhere in pairs or fours as in Corticium coprosmae.

Auckland: Kaiwaka, May, 1949, J.M. Dingley; type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7351