Tubulinales

Tubulinales is an order of fungi within the class Dothideomycetes. This order is characterized by its members having a distinct, tubular structure in their ascocarps, which are the fruiting bodies that produce ascospores. The order includes several families, with the most notable being the Tubulinales family itself, which contains the genus Tubulina. Tubulina species are known for their distinctive, tube-like fruiting bodies that are often found growing on dead wood or other organic substrates.

The order Tubulinales is of particular interest to mycologists due to its unique morphological features and its role in the decomposition of organic matter. The fungi in this order play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead plant material, recycling nutrients, and contributing to soil health. Despite their ecological importance, Tubulinales fungi are not well-studied, and much remains to be discovered about their biology, ecology, and taxonomy.

The classification of Tubulinales within the Dothideomycetes is supported by molecular phylogenetic studies, which have revealed that the order is closely related to other families within the class, such as the Pleosporales and the Xylariales. However, the exact relationships among the families within Tubulinales are still being investigated, and further research is needed to fully understand the evolutionary history of this fascinating group of fungi.