Laurobasidium

Laurobasidium_lauri

Laurobasidium is a genus of fungi in the family Ceratobasidiaceae. The genus was first described by mycologist Constantine John Alexopoulos in 1962. Species within the genus are characterized by their basidiospores, which are typically ellipsoid to cylindrical in shape.

Description

Laurobasidium fungi are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients from decomposing organic matter. They are commonly found on decaying plant material in forest ecosystems. The fruiting bodies of Laurobasidium species are typically small and inconspicuous, with a gelatinous texture.

Taxonomy

The genus Laurobasidium belongs to the family Ceratobasidiaceae, which is part of the order Cantharellales in the class Agaricomycetes. The type species of the genus is Laurobasidium lauri.

Distribution

Species of Laurobasidium are distributed worldwide, with a preference for temperate and tropical regions. They are often encountered in association with dead wood, leaf litter, and other organic substrates.

Importance

While not well-studied compared to some other fungal genera, Laurobasidium species play a role in the decomposition of plant material, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Some species may also have potential applications in bioremediation and biotechnology.

Species

Some notable species within the genus Laurobasidium include:

• Laurobasidium lauri
• Laurobasidium quercinum