Sordariales

Sordariales is an order of fungi within the class Sordariomycetes. These fungi are characterized by a flask-shaped fruiting body called a perithecium, which contains saclike structures (asci) that discharge ascospores through a pore (ostiole).1

Members of this order include significant plant pathogens such as Ophiostoma, responsible for Dutch elm disease, and Claviceps, which causes ergot of rye. The order also encompasses fungi studied for genetics, like Neurospora, and those with fascinating parasitic relationships, such as the zombie-ant fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. Some species, like those in the genus Sordaria, are typically found in dung.12