teleomorphs

Teleomorphs are the sexual reproductive forms of fungi. The term contrasts with anamorphs, which are the asexual forms. Historically, many fungi were described twice under separate names for their sexual (teleomorphic) and asexual (anamorphic) morphs. In a typical fungal life cycle, the teleomorph stage involves the fusion of compatible hyphae, followed by meiosis to produce haploid sexual spores. These spores enable genetic recombination and dispersal.

Teleomorphs are associated with distinctive spore-producing structures specific to major fungal groups. In Ascomycota, the sexual stage yields ascospores inside asci; in Basidiomycota, sexual reproduction produces basidiospores on basidia. Some historical groupings used zygospores in other lineages. Teleomorphs often correspond to the visibly reproductive phase of the fungus, such as mushrooms, cups, or other fruiting bodies, while the anamorphs produce conidia or other asexual propagules.

In modern taxonomy, the distinction between teleomorph and anamorph names has diminished under the one fungus, one name principle. A single name is now used for each fungus, regardless of morphological stage, though the terms remain useful for describing life cycles and identifying structures observed in different stages. Many species are known primarily from their anamorph in culture or field observations, with their teleomorphs discovered later, or vice versa. Overall, teleomorphs provide essential insight into the sexual biology and genetic diversity of fungi.