The relationship of this taxon to other taxa within the class is unknown (incertae sedis).
It takes its name, meaning "despotic heap", from its ascomata, which have long and sharp spines, presumably to deter small animals.
[2] T. pinicola's anamorph was previously falsely described as a member of the Helicodendron genus.
[2] The anamorph possesses helical conidia, coiled 5-6 times, or less so in older cultures.
The asci are enclosed in a double wall (bitunicate), the inner of which is thickened, and taper towards the base.