Nidulariales

views updated

Nidulariales (class Gasteromycetes) An order of fungi, in which the spore-bearing tissue is organized into 1 or more spherical or flattened structures, called peridioles (spore cases), contained within a fruit body which may be spherical, cup-shaped, or funnel-shaped. There are several genera, found on the ground, on dung, on wood, etc. See also BIRD'S-NEST FUNGI.