Leotia
Genus of fungi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leotia is a genus of cup fungi of the division Ascomycota. Leotia species are globally distributed, and are believed to be ectomycorrhizal.[1] They are commonly known as jelly babies because of the gelatinous texture of their fruiting bodies.
| Leotia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Leotia lubrica | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Leotiomycetes |
| Order: | Leotiales |
| Family: | Leotiaceae |
| Genus: | Leotia Pers. (1794) |
| Type species | |
| Leotia lubrica (Scop.) Pers. (1797) | |
| Species | |
Biology
Leotia species are characterized by their capitate ascocarps. Within the class Leotiomycetes, Leotia species produce large fruiting bodies; their long-stalked apothecia bear a fertile layer of asci that covers the upper surface of a mushroom-like cap.
Leotia is closely related to Microglossum,[2] another genus characterized by capitate ascocarps. The species of Leotia have traditionally been defined largely by the fresh color of the ascocarps (tan in L. lubrica, olive-green in L. atrovirens, and green-headed with a yellow stalk in L. viscosa). However, a molecular phylogenetic study[3] revealed that color is a poor predictor of species affiliation, suggesting further study is needed to develop new, more predictive species concepts.
