Peniophora sacrata

Peniophora sacrata is a species of fungus in the family Peniophoraceae. It is a type of Basidiomycota, which is a large division that, together with the Ascomycota, constitutes the subkingdom Dikarya (often referred to as the "higher fungi").

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by the mycologist Robert Lee Gilbertson in 1974. The genus name Peniophora is derived from the Greek words penio (meaning "poor") and phora (meaning "bearing"), which refers to the simple structure of the fruit bodies of these fungi. The specific epithet sacrata is Latin for "sacred".

Description

The fruit bodies of Peniophora sacrata are crust fungi, which means they form a crust-like or waxy layer on the surface of their substrate. The color of the fruit bodies can range from pink to purple. The spores are cylindrical and smooth.

Habitat and distribution

Peniophora sacrata is a saprophytic fungus, meaning it feeds on dead or decaying organic material. It is commonly found on the dead wood of hardwood trees, particularly oak and maple. The species has a widespread distribution and has been reported in various parts of North America and Europe.

Edibility

Like many species of crust fungi, Peniophora sacrata is not considered edible. While not known to be poisonous, its tough, leathery texture and lack of flavor make it unappealing for culinary use.

See also

• List of Peniophora species
• Mycology