Calcium Oxalate Crystals and Basidiocarp Dehiscence in Geastrum Saccatum(Gasteromycetes)

ABSTRACT

Basidiocarps of Geastrum saccatum have calcium oxalate crystals associated with the peridium. In mature, opened basidiocarps eroded crystals occur on the outer surface of the endoperidium. Examination of undehisced basidiocarps reveals that bipyramidal calcium oxalate crystals arise from, and remain associated with, the hyphae that form the endoperidial layer. The development of calcium oxalate crystals in the endoperidial layer prior to basidiocarp dehiscence suggests that the formation of these crystals may be related to the process of exo- and endoperidial separation during basidiocarp maturation.

Key Words:

• calcium oxalate
• dehiscence
• earth stars
• Geastrum