The systematic position of the fungi in this collection (COLENSO b 1008) is unresolved. Macroscopically the carpophores resemble the type material from Australia (Brisbane, F. M. Bailey, Nr. 26, in K; see also Pegler, 1965), but the tiny (4-5 X 2-3 µ), neither amyloid nor dextrinoid, smooth spores clearly separate the two taxa.

Smell strong and very unpleasant; pileus convex, then plane, the centre often depressed, reddish-bay, pale when dry, 1.5-2.5 cm. across when expanded; flesh thin, soft and pliant, membranaceous from the margin half-way up and coarsely striate; gills at first slightly adnexed, but becoming free during the expansion of the pileus, connected by veins, ventricose, at first crowded then distant, white with just a suspicion of pink; spores elliptical, 8 x 4-5 µ; stem 3-5 cm. long, 2 mm. thick, equal, slightly wavy or flexuous, tough, rufous or rufous-brown or sometimes purple-violet, naked, but entirely covered with delicate white down when dry, base narrowed and rooting.

New Zealand. Australia, Europe.

On or about rotten trunks and stumps, especially pine.

Gregarious. Agreeing with Marasmius foetidus and M. perforans in the strong foetid smell. The last two named, however, differ from the present in having the stem minutely but distinctly velvety.