Order 2. Polyporei, or Tube-Bearing Fungi
We now pass to the next order, the Polyporei. We will mention four genera:
Boletus
The name is that of a fungus much prized for its delicacy by the Romans, and is derived from a Greek word meaning a clod, which denotes the round figure of the plant.
The Boleti grow on the ground, are fleshy and putrescent with central stems. The tubes are packed closely together and are easily separated.
Fistulina = a Pipe
In this genus the tubes are free and distinct from one another. They are somewhat fleshy and grow upon wood.
Polyporus = Many Pores
The pores or tubes in this genus are not separate from one another. They are persistent fungi, most of them growing upon wood.
Daedalea = Curiously Wrought
The name of this genus is derived from Daedalus, who constructed the labyrinth at Crete, in which the monster Minotaur was kept. It was one of the seven wonders of the world.
These fungi grow on wood, and become hard. The pores are firm when fully grown; they are sinuous and labyrinthine.