Peniophoraceae

Peniophoraceae is a family of crust-like basidiomycete fungi in the class Agaricomycetes. Members are primarily saprotrophic on dead wood, especially hardwoods, and many contribute to white-rot decay of lignocellulose. The fruit bodies are typically crust-like, growing flat on wood, and may be smooth or slightly wrinkled.

Ecology and distribution: Peniophoraceae species are found on decaying wood in forests and woodland areas, with a broad but temperate to boreal distribution. They play a role in the decomposition of woody substrate and nutrient cycling.

Taxonomy and genera: The family is typified by the genus Peniophora, the type genus. Its circumscription has shifted with molecular data, and the composition of included genera has been revised over time. Genera are largely defined by microscopic features of the hyphal system and basidia, as well as fruiting-body morphology, but molecular phylogenetics has increasingly influenced classification within the group.

Notable species: Representative species include Peniophora incarnata and Peniophora quercina, among others, which are commonly found on dead branches and trunks of deciduous trees.

Summary: Peniophoraceae comprises crust-like wood-decay fungi that contribute to the decomposition of dead wood. Its members are adapted to a saprotrophic lifestyle on lignified substrates, and modern taxonomy continues to refine which genera are included as molecular studies illuminate relationships within this group.