Platygloea

Platygloea is a genus of fungi belonging to the class Pucciniomycetes. Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) of the type species are disc-shaped, gelatinous, and occur on dead wood, probably as a saprotroph. Microscopically, all species of Platygloea sensu lato have auricularioid (laterally septate) basidia. Currently the genus (together with its possible synonym Achroomyces Bonord.) contains a heterogeneous mix of auricularioid fungi not yet accommodated in other genera.

==Taxonomy== ===History=== Platygloea was proposed in 1887 by German mycologist Joseph Schröter for fungi with auricularioid (tubular and laterally septate) basidia and effused, waxy or gelatinous fruit bodies. Three species were included: Platygloea nigricans (now Platygloea disciformis); P. fimicola (now Cystobasidium fimetarium); and P. effusa (now Colacogloea effusa). Subsequent authors referred additional species to Platygloea. In a 1956 paper, American mycologist Robert Bandoni recognized 23 names in the genus. He considered Platygloea to be "a heterogeneous assortment of species" that "may be divided into several more consistent genera when better known".