Rhizomorpha

Rhizomorpha is a genus of fungi that was created for species known only by their mycelial cords ("rhizomorphs") and so impossible to classify within the normal taxonomic system, which is based on reproductive structures.

Fungi are generally classified according to their sexual or asexual spore-bearing organs (including fruiting bodies where present), but where only sterile rhizomorphs were available, such species were put into genus Rhizomorpha even if they were not genetically related.

[1][2] The genus was created in 1791 by Albrecht Wilhelm Roth for an observation of material in the form of mycelial cords, which he assigned to species Rhizomorpha fragilis.

[6][7] The name Rhizomorpha should now be avoided, but at the time of writing there is still at least one species which is found only in the form of mycelial cords and for which no spore-bearing structures have been observed.

It consists of broad white aerial rhizomorphs which have frequent short branches and it occurs in the tropical forest canopy in Suriname and some other South American countries.

Rhizomorphs of Armillaria mellea
Xylaria hippotrichoides : original illustration by Sowerby
Peruvian nest incorporating B. corynecarpon