''Secotium'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial n ...
of
fungi
A fungus (plural, : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of Eukaryote, eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and Mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified ...
in the family
Agaricaceae
The Agaricaceae are a family of basidiomycete fungi and include the genus ''Agaricus'', as well as basidiomycetes previously classified in the families Tulostomataceae, Lepiotaceae, and Lycoperdaceae.
Taxonomy
The family Agaricaceae was publish ...
. The members of this genus are closely related to ordinary ''
Agaricus
''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom ('' Agaricus b ...
'' mushrooms, but do not open out in the usual way; this has given rise to the term "
secotioid" for such mushrooms in general. They are thought to form an evolutionary link between
agarics
An agaric () is a type of fungus fruiting body characterized by the presence of a pileus (cap) that is clearly differentiated from the stipe (stalk), with lamellae (gills) on the underside of the pileus. In the UK, agarics are called "mushroom ...
and
gasteroid fungi (whose
spore
In biology, a spore is a unit of sexual or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavourable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many plants, algae, ...
s are enclosed in a pouch-like structure). ''Secotium'' is a widespread genus, with species that are predominantly found in warm and arid regions.
Species
The secotioid species ''
Agaricus deserticola
''Agaricus deserticola'', commonly known as the gasteroid agaricus, is a species of fungus in the family Agaricaceae. Found only in southwestern and western North America, ''A. deserticola'' is adapted for growth in dry or semi-arid habitats ...
'' used to be named ''Secotium texense'' before its strong connection to ''
Agaricus
''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom ('' Agaricus b ...
'' caused it to be reclassified.
See also
*
List of Agaricaceae genera
References
External links
*
Agaricaceae
Agaricales genera
{{Agaricaceae-stub