Didymosporaceae

Didymosporaceae is a family of fungi within the phylum Ascomycota. The precise placement of the group has historically been a matter of debate, and its ordinal classification has shifted with advances in molecular phylogenetics. At various times, didymosporaceous taxa have been variably assigned to different lineages within the Ascomycota, and the circumscription of the family has changed as new data became available. As a result, the family is often described as small and difficult to define with morphology alone, relying increasingly on DNA sequence data for robust delimitation and membership.

The family is represented by a limited number of genera, and its species are mostly associated with plants. Ecologically, members are typically described as saprobes, endophytes, or plant pathogens, found on leaves, stems, or decaying plant material. The life histories of Didymosporaceae species tend to be linked to their plant hosts, and they are most frequently reported from temperate to warm regions, with records on a variety of plant groups.

Morphologically, didymosporaceous fungi exhibit a range of structures in their sexual and asexual states. Features used in traditional classification include the characteristics of asci, ascospores, conidia, and fruiting bodies, but these traits can be variable across genera. Consequently, modern treatment of the family emphasizes molecular phylogenetic data to resolve relationships and confirm membership.

Taxonomic status remains somewhat unsettled, and ongoing revisions may alter the circumscription of Didymosporaceae. For current membership and nomenclatural details, fungal databases such as Index Fungorum and MycoBank are recommended sources.