Hromiceaceae

Hromiceaceae is a family of fungi within the order Glomerales. Members of this family are obligate endomycorrhizal fungi, meaning they form symbiotic relationships with the roots of most terrestrial plants. These fungi are crucial for nutrient uptake by plants, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, from the soil. In return, the plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. Hromiceaceae are characterized by their large, typically subspherical or irregularly shaped spores, which are often produced singly or in loose clusters within the soil. These spores are usually orange to brown in color and possess thick, ornamented walls that aid in their survival in the environment. The hyphae of Hromiceaceae are also distinctive, with some hyphae forming arbuscules within plant root cells, which are the sites of nutrient exchange. Other hyphae form vesicles, which serve as storage organs. The exact taxonomic placement and phylogenetic relationships within Hromiceaceae are subjects of ongoing research, but they are recognized for their significant ecological role in natural and agricultural ecosystems. The family is distinguished from other Glomerales by specific morphological characteristics of its spores and subtending hyphae, as well as molecular data.