Steccherinum

Steccherinum is a genus of fungi in the family Steccherinaceae. The genus was circumscribed by the French botanist and mycologist Jean Baptiste François Pierre Bulliard in 1791. Fungi in this genus are characterized by their resupinate or effused-reflexed basidiocarps, meaning they grow flat against a substrate or with an upward-turning margin. Their hymenophore, the spore-bearing surface, is typically toothed or spiny, resembling small teeth or spines. The genus name itself is derived from the Latin word "steccheris," meaning spine or thorn, referring to this distinctive feature.

Species of Steccherinum are saprotrophic, obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter, primarily wood. They play a role in decomposition within forest ecosystems. The microscopic features, such as cystidia and basidiospore characteristics, are important for accurate species identification within the genus. While some species may have broader distribution, others are more geographically restricted. Taxonomy within Steccherinum has been subject to revision, with molecular phylogenetic studies contributing to a better understanding of species relationships and generic boundaries. Common species might include Steccherinum ochraceum, known for its ochre or yellowish coloration and often found on decaying hardwood.