Pezizales

order of fungi

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Pezizales is an order of fungi belonging to the subclass Euascomycetes. These fungi are typically epigeal, meaning they grow above ground, and are mostly saprophytic, deriving nutrients from dead organic matter.1

Key characteristics of Pezizales include:
* Asci: Their asci (spore-producing cells) are borne in a hymenium, which is usually exposed before maturity.1
* Apothecium: The hymenium is found on or within a fleshy or horny apothecium, often cup-shaped, saucer-shaped, or disc-shaped, and typically colored.1

The family Pezizaceae is a large and widespread family within the order Pezizales, containing many common cup fungi.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

fungus
Annotated classification
Order Pezizales Saprotrophic; amyloid asci; ascomata nonstalked, may be goblet-shaped or saucer-shaped; ascocarp may be operculate aboveground or be borne belowground; includes truffles; example genera include Peziza, Glaziella, Morchella, Pyronema, Terfezia, and Tuber. Class Sordariomycetes
Read More
Order Pezizales Saprotrophic; amyloid asci; ascomata nonstalked, may be goblet-shaped or saucer-shaped; ascocarp may be operculate aboveground or be borne belowground; includes truffles; example genera include Peziza, Glaziella, Morchella, Pyronema, Terfezia, and Tuber. Class Sordariomycetes
Read More