Diodoras

Diodoras is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Amphisphaeriaceae. These fungi are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients from dead organic matter. They are typically found on decaying wood and plant debris. The genus was first described by mycologist Hans Otto Hansford in 1961.

Species within Diodoras are characterized by their perithecia, which are flask-shaped fruiting bodies that produce spores. These perithecia are often embedded in the substrate. The ascospores, the sexual spores produced by these fungi, are typically hyaline (clear) and unicellular or bicellular. Microscopic examination of the ascospore morphology is crucial for species identification.

Diodoras species are found in various geographic locations, often in temperate and tropical regions. Their role in decomposition contributes to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. While not generally considered pathogenic, their presence on dead plant material is a common feature of forest floor environments. Research on Diodoras is ongoing, with mycologists continuing to describe new species and investigate their ecological significance. The taxonomic placement of Diodoras within Amphisphaeriaceae is based on both morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies.