Class: Holobasidiomycetes
The Holobasidiomycetes comprise two
highly interrelated series, called Hymenomycetae and Gasteromycetae.
Series: Hymenomycetes
Most hymenomycetes shoot their
basidiospores actively from hymenia that are exposed at maturity. Basidiospores
which are to be forcibly discharged (ballistospores) blow out at an angle to
the fine sterigma that bears them. most hymenomycetes develop characteristic fleshy, corky or woody
basidiomata,
Order: Agaricales
This order brings together the most
familiar of all fungi, the so-called mushrooms. Most agarics are either saprobic, exploiting dead organic matter, or
ectomycorrhizal, establishing mutualistic symbioses with the roots of woody
plants, especially conifers . Most agarics, share the same basic design. There
is a central, vertical stalk or stipe, with a horizontally spreading cap or
pileus at the top. The underside of the cap usually bears delicate, radially
arranged, vertical plates called gills or lamellae.The hymenium covers both
sides of each gill. Basidiospores are launched from the basidia, drop through
the space between adjacent gills, and enter the turbulent outside air which
carries them away. In some genera, the developing basidioma may be totally
enclosed within a membranous universal veil, remains of which can be seen on
the