anamorf

Anamorf, in mycology, refers to the asexual reproductive form of a fungus. The term derives from Greek and is contrasted with teleomorph, the sexual form. Anamorphs reproduce asexually by conidia, produced on structures such as conidiophores. Teleomorphs produce sexual spores, such as ascospores or basidiospores, through meiosis. Collectively, the organism across its distinct morphs is called a holomorph.

Historically, fungi with multiple morphs were given separate names for each form. Modern nomenclature emphasizes a single name per species, though older literature may still use anamorph or teleomorph names. An example is Botrytis cinerea, the anamorph, whose sexual stage is named Botryotinia fuckeliana. In recent decades, the One Fungus, One Name principle has reduced the use of distinct anamorph names, but the concept remains in historical and taxonomic discussions.

The term anamorph is chiefly of historical interest outside that context, while the observed asexual state is still described in practical settings such as plant pathology. Etymology traces the word to Greek elements meaning “up” or “again” form, contrasted with teleomorph, from Greek for “far” form.