Chaetoderma (fungus)

Chaetoderma is a genus of fungi within the order Agaricales. These fungi are typically characterized by their resupinate to effused-reflexed basidiocarps (fruiting bodies) which are often small and inconspicuous. The context of the basidiocarp is generally soft and fleshy when fresh, becoming brittle upon drying.

A key feature of Chaetoderma is the presence of cystidia, which are specialized sterile cells found in the hymenium (the spore-bearing surface). The cystidia in Chaetoderma are often encrusted with crystals, giving them a distinctive appearance under a microscope.

Species within Chaetoderma are saprophytic, meaning they obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter. They are commonly found on decaying wood, bark, and other plant debris in forest ecosystems. Their role in decomposition makes them important contributors to nutrient cycling.

Taxonomic placement of Chaetoderma has been subject to revision, and its precise relationships with other fungal genera are still under investigation using molecular phylogenetic techniques. Microscopic examination of the basidiospores and cystidia is crucial for accurate identification of Chaetoderma species.