Taxonomy and phylogeny of the basidiomycetous hyphomycete genus Hormomyces

This research clarifies the classification of a poorly understood group of fungi by showing that the genus Hormomyces actually belongs to a different family than previously thought. Using DNA analysis and microscopic examination, the researchers discovered that these fungi are related to orchid root symbionts rather than jelly fungi as was long believed. This discovery impacts everyday life in several ways: • Improves our understanding of fungal diversity and classification systems • Helps identify potential new symbiotic relationships between fungi and plants • Contributes to knowledge about fungi that may be important for orchid conservation • Provides better tools for identifying these fungi in environmental samples • May lead to discoveries about their role in plant health and ecosystem function