Porotheleaceae

Porotheleaceae is a family of fungi belonging to the order Helotiales. The family is characterized by its ascomata, which are typically perithecia, and its ascospores, which are usually hyaline, smooth, and ellipsoid to fusiform. The family is cosmopolitan in distribution, with species found in various habitats, including on decaying wood, soil, and plant litter.

The taxonomy of Porotheleaceae has been a subject of debate, with some authors placing the family in the order Helotiales, while others place it in the order Rhytismatales. However, molecular phylogenetic studies have supported the placement of Porotheleaceae in the order Helotiales.

The family Porotheleaceae includes several genera, with the most well-known being Porotheleum. Porotheleum species are typically found on decaying wood and have a distinctive, orange-brown color. The family is also known for its biotechnological potential, with some species producing enzymes and other bioactive compounds with potential applications in industry and medicine.

In summary, Porotheleaceae is a family of fungi with a cosmopolitan distribution, characterized by its perithecial ascomata and hyaline, smooth, ellipsoid to fusiform ascospores. The family includes several genera, with Porotheleum being the most well-known, and has potential biotechnological applications.