Asterophora | |
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A. parasitica | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
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Genus: | Asterophora Ditmar (1809)
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Type species | |
Asterophora lycoperdoides (Bull.) Ditmar (1809)
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Species | |
A. lycoperdoides | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Asterosperma Pers. (1818) |
Asterophora is a genus of fungi that grow as parasites on mushrooms. The genus contains four species, which have a widespread distribution, especially in temperate areas.[2] The most recently described species, A. salvaterrensis, was found in Pinus pinaster forests in Galicia (northwest Iberian Peninsula).[3] Asterophora species are characterized by the massive production of chlamydospores[4] in their fruit bodies and by the production of carminophilous lysosomes in their basidia. A frequently used but synonymous genus name is Nyctalis. The chlamydospores have been classified in the genus Ugola, which is an anamorphic name.