Torulae

Torulae are the asexual, or anamorphic, forms of certain filamentous fungi that were historically grouped under the form genus Torula. The term torulae refers to a set of colonies and conidial morphologies described without assigning a connection to a known sexual stage. In older mycological literature, torulae were used to categorize a variety of pigmented or colorless conidia produced on simple or elaborate conidiophores.

Taxonomic context for torulae has changed substantially with advances in fungal taxonomy. The practice of using form genera, which classify fungi by their asexual structures rather than their full life cycle, has largely diminished. Many species once placed in Torula have been reassigned to other genera as their teleomorphs (sexual stages) were discovered or as molecular data clarified evolutionary relationships. Today, the name Torula is more often encountered as a historical reference or in descriptions of anamorphs rather than as a currently accepted, discrete taxonomic group.

Ecology and substrates historically associated with torulae include decaying plant material, stored grains and foods, and soil. These fungi are typically saprotrophic, feeding on organic matter, and can be involved in spoilage or decomposition processes. In some cases, toruloid morphologies have been observed as opportunistic inhabitants of damaged or stressed plant tissues.

In summary, torulae are the historical asexual forms once used to describe diverse fungal colonies. Their usage illustrates how fungal classification has shifted from morphology-based form genera to integrated, name-stable taxonomic systems that incorporate both morphology and genetic data.