Pezizomycetes

class of fungi

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July 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The Pezizomycetes are a class of fungi within the phylum Ascomycota. This group is characterized by saprotrophic (feeding on dead organic matter) lifestyles, often found on wood, soil, or dung. They possess unitunicate, operculate asci, and their ascocarps (fruiting bodies) can be nonstalked, goblet-shaped, or saucer-shaped. This class includes well-known fungi like truffles. The order Pezizales, a significant part of this class, is commonly referred to as cup fungi due to their characteristic disk- or cup-shaped apothecia that bear asci on their surface. Some species within Pezizales are edible, like morels and certain truffles, while others can be poisonous.1234

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fungus
Annotated classification
Class Pezizomycetes Saprotrophic on wood, soil, or dung; unitunicate, operculate asci; includes some cup fungi; contains 1 order. 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
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Class Pezizomycetes Saprotrophic on wood, soil, or dung; unitunicate, operculate asci; includes some cup fungi; contains 1 order. 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
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