This small but beautiful genus was established by L in k ,
in his Ohservationes in Ordines Plantarum naturales. P e r soon
had arranged it as a Diderma, from which it essentially
differs, in the want of a columella. Two other species are described
by L in k , viz.
L. spermoides, sporangiis globosis oblongisque luteis nitentibus, stipite
brevissimo albente, floccis pallidis, sporulis atris.
H ab. On leaves, dead branches, &c. growing in a gregarious manner.
L. calcareus, sporangiis difformibus sessilibus crassis opacis albis, floccis
pallidis, sporulis atris.
Sporangia 3 -4 lines long- Peridia brittle, and having the appearance
o f being formed of a calcareous substance.
H ab. On the ground in dry grassy places.
Some botanists also add another species, by separating var.
|3 from Diderma vernicosum of P e r so o n under the name of
D. parasiticus. This plant I prefer noticing in this place, as
I am not sufficiently acquainted with it to decide whether it
be really distinct or not. It was, (and is now !) described by
W it h e r in g as Lycoperdon parasiticum, and is chiefly characterised
by a nearly globular peridium, and cylindrical yellowish
white stipes.
Fig. 1. Leocarpus vernicosus, nat. size. Fig. 2. Three sporangia. Fig. 3. A
singk sporangium. Fig. 4. Sporangium burst open. Fig. 5. Sporules and
filaments.— AU but Fig. 1. more or less magnified.