Schizophyllaceae

Schizophyllaceae is a small family of basidiomycete fungi in the class Agaricomycetes. It includes the genus Schizophyllum, whose species are saprotrophic on dead wood, particularly hardwoods. The best known member is Schizophyllum commune, widely distributed and commonly found on fallen branches and logs in forests around the world. The fruit bodies are typically small to medium, fan- or hoof-shaped, with a pale to brownish cap and a white to grayish surface. The defining feature is the underside gills, which split or fork as they mature, giving the characteristic split-gill appearance.

In ecology, Schizophyllum commune is a potent lignocellulose degrader, contributing to wood decay. It is cosmopolitan, occurring in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, and can colonize a range of hardwood species. Reproduction occurs through white basidiospores released from the gills.

From a human perspective, the species is generally edible when cooked, though it is often noted for a tough texture. It has been used in traditional cuisines in parts of Asia. In scientific research, Schizophyllum commune is notable for its complex mating-type system, among the most elaborate described in fungi, making it a model organism for studies of fungal genetics and pheromone signaling. Rare infections by this species have been reported in immunocompromised individuals, though such cases are uncommon.