Asymmetricospora

Asymmetricospora is a genus of fungi in the family Hygrophoraceae. The genus contains a single species, Asymmetricospora calocera, which was first described by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1973.

Taxonomy

The genus Asymmetricospora was first described by Rolf Singer in 1973. The genus name is derived from the Greek words asymmetria, meaning "lack of symmetry", and spora, meaning "seed" or "spore". This refers to the unique, asymmetrical spores produced by the fungus.

The only known species in the genus, Asymmetricospora calocera, was also described by Singer in the same publication. The species name calocera is derived from the Greek words kalos, meaning "beautiful", and keros, meaning "horn". This refers to the attractive, horn-like shape of the fruit bodies.

Description

The fruit bodies of Asymmetricospora calocera are small and club-shaped, with a smooth, shiny surface. They are typically orange in color, although the shade can vary from pale to bright orange. The spores are unique among fungi in the family Hygrophoraceae, being asymmetrical and somewhat irregular in shape.

Distribution and habitat

Asymmetricospora calocera is known to occur in North America, where it grows on the ground in coniferous forests. It is typically found in the fall, although it can occasionally be found at other times of the year.

See also

• List of Hygrophoraceae genera
• Mycology