Alkaloidista

Alkaloidista is a genus of fungi in the family Chaetomiaceae. The genus was described in 1954 by mycologist Franz W. Jane. Species within the genus Alkaloidista are characterized by their small, globose to subglobose ascomata, which are typically dark brown to black. The ascomata possess characteristic appendages, often described as bristly or hairy, which can vary in length and arrangement. The asci are typically cylindrical and contain numerous ascospores. The ascospores are usually unicellular, smooth, and elliptical to fusiform in shape.

These fungi are commonly found in soil, dung, and decaying plant matter. They are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing organic material. Some species have been reported to produce various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, though this is not a universal characteristic of all species within the genus. Research into the biochemistry and ecological roles of Alkaloidista species is ongoing. Taxonomic classifications have been based on morphological characteristics of the ascomata, asci, and ascospores. DNA sequencing has also been employed to clarify phylogenetic relationships within the Chaetomiaceae.