Hydnora

Hydnora is a genus of fungi in the family Hydnaceae, which is part of the order Agaricales. The genus was first described by the French mycologist Jean Baptiste François Pierre Bulliard in 1793. Hydnora species are characterized by their resupinate (upside-down) growth habit, where the fruiting bodies (basidiocarps) grow on the underside of dead wood or other substrates. The genus is widely distributed, with species found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

The fruiting bodies of Hydnora species are typically small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter. They are usually circular or irregular in shape and have a smooth or slightly wrinkled surface. The color of the fruiting bodies can vary, but they often have a brown, gray, or reddish-brown hue. The hymenium (the fertile layer of the fruiting body) is typically brown or black.

Hydnora species are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. They play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead wood and other plant material, recycling nutrients, and contributing to soil health. Despite their ecological importance, Hydnora species are not well-studied, and there is still much to learn about their biology and ecology.