family fistulinaceae

[SpraVkina]

a family of fungi closely related to the family Polyporaceae except that the tubes on the undersurface of the cap are separate from each other

[SergioAnigo]

The family Fistulinaceae is a family of fungi in the order Agaricales, which is characterized by having their spores directly exposed to the environment, rather than being enclosed in a sac. Members of this family are primarily saprotrophic, helping in the decomposition of organic matter.

They are known for their tubular or pipe-like structures that form their fruiting bodies. The fruiting body, or basidiocarp, is the spore-producing structure of the fungus, much like the fruit of a plant. In fact, fistulinaceae literally translates to little pipe.

The exact taxonomic placement and number of species within the family Fistulinaceae can differ slightly depending on the source, as classifications can change with new research. However, in general, it is agreed that Fistulina hepatica, also known as beefsteak fungus, is a typical species of this family.