Parmulariaceae

Parmulariaceae is a family of fungi belonging to the order Auriculariales. These fungi are characterized by their poroid basidiocarps, which are typically small and resupinate, meaning they grow flat against a substrate. The pores are generally small and round, and the hymenium, the spore-producing surface, is smooth. The family was first described by German mycologist Hans Otto Hansson in 1949.

Members of Parmulariaceae are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. They are found on decaying wood in various forest ecosystems. The basidiospores are hyaline and smooth, and their morphology is a key characteristic used in the classification of species within the family.

While not widely known for their ecological or economic importance, Parmulariaceae contributes to the decomposition cycle in forests. Research on this family is limited compared to more prominent fungal groups, but ongoing taxonomic studies continue to refine our understanding of its diversity and phylogenetic relationships within the Auriculariales. Identification of Parmulariaceae species often requires microscopic examination of their spores and pore structures.