Dorastis

Dorastis is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerodermataceae. It is characterized by its fleshy fruiting bodies that develop underground. The genus was first described by American mycologist William Murrill in 1908. Species within Dorastis are typically mycorrhizal, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of trees. This association allows the fungi to obtain nutrients from the soil, which they then share with their host plant.

The morphology of Dorastis fruiting bodies can vary, but they are generally gasteroid, meaning they are puffball-like and the spores are contained within the sporocarp until maturity. The peridium, or outer wall of the fruiting body, is often thick and leathery. When mature, the peridium may split or break open to release the powdery mass of spores. The spore print color is typically dark brown to black.

Dorastis species are found in various terrestrial habitats, often in association with coniferous or deciduous forests. Their distribution is not extensively documented globally, but they are known to occur in some temperate regions. Research on Dorastis is ongoing, with a focus on understanding their ecological roles, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic relationships within the Sclerodermataceae family. The exact taxonomic placement and number of valid species within the genus can sometimes be subject to revision as new information becomes available through molecular studies.