Corticiales

Corticiales is an order of fungi within the class Agaricomycetes. This order encompasses a diverse group of mostly saprophytic fungi that produce basidiocarps, or fruiting bodies. Many species within Corticiales are characterized by their resupinate or effused-reflexed fruiting bodies, meaning they grow flat against the substrate or partly peel away from it, often resembling a crust or patch. The hymenium, where spores are produced, is typically smooth and can vary in color from white to cream, ochre, or brown.

The taxonomic placement of Corticiales has undergone revisions with advancements in molecular phylogenetic studies. Historically, it was a broader category, but modern classifications often include genera previously placed here into other orders. Key genera that have been associated with Corticiales include Corticium, Laetiporus, and Peniophora, although the precise relationships and classifications are subject to ongoing research. These fungi play a significant role in decomposition, breaking down wood and other organic matter in forest ecosystems. Their ecological importance lies in nutrient cycling and their contribution to the overall health of their environment. Identification often relies on microscopic features in addition to macroscopic characteristics of the fruiting body.