Gloeosoma
Gloeosoma is a of crust in the Stereaceae ( Russulales). in this genus form thin, effused fruiting bodies that adhere tightly to their substrate, often appearing as smooth to slightly wrinkled crusts without a distinct cap or . The genus is characterized by its smooth, spores and a hymenium that lacks cystidia. Gloeosoma species are saprotrophic, decomposing dead wood in forest .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gloeosoma: //ˌɡleɪoʊˈsoʊmə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other crust in Stereaceae by the combination of smooth, spores and the absence of cystidia in the hymenium. Fruiting bodies are resupinate (crust-like, flat against substrate), smooth to merulioid (wrinkled), and lack the poroid surface of poroid or the toothed hymenium of hydnoid fungi. Differs from Stereum by spore characteristics and hymenial structure.
Images
Ecological Role
Saprotrophic of dead wood, contributing to in forest .
Similar Taxa
- StereumAlso in Stereaceae with resupinate to effused-reflexed fruiting bodies; distinguished by spore ornamentation and presence of cystidia in most .
- AmylostereumSimilar crust-like but produces amyloid spores and has distinct ecological associations with conifers and woodwasps.