Corticioid fungi

Since they are often studied as a group, it is convenient to retain the informal (non-taxonomic) name of "corticioid fungi" and this term is frequently used in research papers[1] and other texts.

Though a number of genera had been recognized as distinct from Corticium from the late nineteenth century onwards, it was not until Swedish mycologist Prof. John Eriksson reviewed the corticioid fungi in a series of publications starting in 1950[4][5] that modern concepts were formed.

The eight-volume work that he initiated, Corticiaceae of North Europe (1973-1987), effectively established the current circumscription of the corticioid fungi.

[8][9][10] Corticioid fungi are rather loosely defined, but most have effused fruit bodies, the spore bearing surface typically being smooth to granular or spiny.

Some species (in the genera Stereum and Steccherinum, for example) may form fruit bodies that are partly bracket- or shelf-like with a smooth to spiny undersurface.

The corticioid fungus Terana caerulea , growing on the undersurface of dead branches
The corticioid fungus Lyomyces sambuci , common on dead elder branches
The corticioid fungus Stereum hirsutum , showing an effused fruit body with bracket-like outgrowths