Sclerodermatineae

Sclerodermatineae is a suborder of the order Boletales, a group of fungi within the phylum Basidiomycota. This suborder is characterized by its members' hard, thick-walled fruit bodies, which are typically round or irregular in shape. The Sclerodermatineae includes several genera, such as Scleroderma, Pisolithus, and Astraeus.

Taxonomy

The Sclerodermatineae was first described by the mycologist Rolf Singer in 1945. It is one of four suborders within the order Boletales, the others being Boletineae, Suillineae, and Coniophorineae. The Sclerodermatineae is further divided into two families: the Sclerodermataceae and the Astraeaceae.

Description

Members of the Sclerodermatineae are characterized by their hard, thick-walled fruit bodies. These fruit bodies, or peridium, are typically round or irregular in shape and may be smooth or covered in warts or scales. The interior of the fruit body, or gleba, is initially white or cream-colored but darkens to brown or black as the spores mature.

Distribution and habitat

Sclerodermatineae species are found worldwide, in a variety of habitats. They are most commonly found in forests, where they form mycorrhizal relationships with trees. Some species, such as Scleroderma citrinum, are also found in grasslands and other open habitats.

Genera

The Sclerodermatineae includes several genera, including:

• Scleroderma: This genus includes about 100 species, including the common earthball (Scleroderma citrinum) and the giant puffball (Scleroderma giganteum).
• Pisolithus: This genus includes the dyeball fungus (Pisolithus arhizus), which is used in traditional dyeing techniques.
• Astraeus: This genus includes the star fungus (Astraeus hygrometricus), which has a unique star-shaped fruit body.

See also

• List of Basidiomycota families
• List of Boletales genera