Basidiocarp development in Calocera cornea

Abstract

The development of the basidiocarp of Calocera cornea in the natural and cultural environments is described. The structural unit is a narrow, unmodified hypha with the capacity for pigment and gel formation. In the basidiocarp the hyphae become organized into a central zone of compact, parallel hyphae, a median zone of interwoven hyphae with numerous spaces containing gelatinous material, and an outer zone composed of bifurcate basidia each bearing two basidiospores.Primordia and basidiocarps show rapid growth with marked sensitivity to relative humidity and sporulation frequently takes place before basidiocarp development is complete. Short periods of rapid growth alternate with long periods of inactivity during which the formation of fungal gel and carotenoid pigments probably aids in survival.