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The Hypocreales are an order of fungi within the subclass Hypocreomycetidae. They are closely related to and likely evolved from the Sphaeriales. Fungi in this order are often parasitic or pathogenic to plants, sometimes causing canker formation. When present, their perithecia and stromata are typically brightly colored, soft, fleshy, or waxy. Notable genera within the Hypocreales include Hypocrea, Nectria, Cordyceps, and Claviceps. The family Hypocreaceae, which is usually included in Hypocreales, is characterized by brightly colored, fleshy or membranous ascocarps and includes plant parasites of economic importance.1234

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