gasteromycetes

Gasteromycetes is a common name that has been used to refer to a diverse group of fungi within the Basidiomycota. These fungi are characterized by having their spores develop and mature within a closed or partially enclosed fruiting body, known as a gleba. Unlike many other mushrooms that forcibly eject their spores, gasteromycetes typically rely on passive mechanisms for spore dispersal. These mechanisms can include rain splash, wind, or animal activity that breaks open the fruiting body. The term "gasteromycetes" is not a formal taxonomic rank but rather a descriptive grouping based on this spore development and dispersal strategy. Many fungi traditionally classified as gasteromycetes have since been reclassified into different orders based on molecular phylogenetic studies. Examples of fungi that were formerly considered gasteromycetes include puffballs, earthstars, stinkhorns, and bird's nest fungi, each exhibiting unique forms and dispersal methods within this broad classification. Their ecological roles are varied, with many acting as saprotrophs, decomposing organic matter in soil and on wood.