Discomycetes is a formertaxonomicclass ofAscomycetefungi which contains all of the cup, sponge and brain fungi, and some club-like fungi.[1][2] It includes typical cup fungi like thescarlet elf cup and theorange peel fungus, and fungi with fruiting bodies of more unusual shape, such asmorels,truffles and theswamp beacon. New taxonomic and molecular data fail to support the monophyly of the Discomycetes.
Discomycetes are usually small and cup shaped, and come in singular form.
A common feature of Discomycetes are theasci, which are typically produced on the surface of cup-like fruiting bodies. In most discomycetes, each ascus contains eight sexualspores that are forcibly discharged into the air when mature.
In modern classifications, the members of the obsolete class are included inPezizomycetes,Lecanoromycetes,Leotiomycetes andSordariomycetes.
