Peniophora

Peniophora is a genus of fungi in the family Peniophoraceae. The genus was first described by French botanist Pierre Bulliard in 1822. Peniophora species are saprotrophic, typically inhabiting decaying wood. They are found in a variety of environments worldwide, and are commonly associated with temperate forests.

The fruiting bodies of Peniophora species are usually annual, forming a thin, membranous spore-bearing surface on the substrate. Spore dispersal occurs in late summer and early fall. Spores are often produced on both sides of the fruiting body, and may break away easily.

Taxonomic classifications have categorized Peniophora species in several ways throughout history. Initially seen as part of the Hymenochaetales order, Peniophora species were later grouped with the Russulales in some classifications. Molecular research has led to re-evaluation, placing them in the Corticiales order of the Agaricomycetes class. There have been over 200 species described within the Peniophora genus.

Peniophora species display unique characteristics due to their local substrate affinities. Different Peniophora species can often be identified by subtle spore micromorphology and seriation features. Due to the variety of existing species, determination typically requires trained expertise. Extensive species level revision has produced contradictory results in some cases, demonstrating a need for more comprehensive research and widespread classification revisions.