Glomus (fungus)
| Glomus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Glomeromycota |
| Class: | Glomeromycetes |
| Order: | Glomerales |
| Family: | Glomeraceae |
| Genus: |
Glomus Tul. & C.Tul. (1845) |
| Type species | |
|
Glomus macrocarpum Tul. & C.Tul. (1845) |
|
| Species | |
|
ca. 85 species described |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Rhizophagus P.A.Dang. (1896) Sphaerocreas Sacc. & Ellis (1882) Stigeosporium C.West (1916) |
|
ca. 85 species described
Rhizophagus P.A.Dang. (1896) Sphaerocreas Sacc. & Ellis (1882) Stigeosporium C.West (1916)
Glomus is a genus of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and all species form symbiotic relationships (mycorrhizas) with plant roots. Glomus is the largest genus of AM fungi, with ca. 85 species described, but is currently defined as non-monophyletic.
Glomus is the only genus in the family Glomeraceae, in the division Glomeromycota. Some members of the genus were originally described as Sclerocystis species, but this genus has been entirely transferred to Glomus. However, further taxonomic changes are likely as the phylogeny of AM fungi becomes better understood.
Glomus is likely related to the fossil fungus Glomites, discovered in the Rhynie chert deposits from the Early Devonian (400 million years ago).
As with other AM fungi, all Glomus species are thought to be obligate symbionts, dependent on their mycorrhizal association with plant roots to complete their life cycle. They cannot be cultured in the laboratory in the absence of a plant host. Glomus species are found in nearly all terrestrial habitats, including arable land, deserts, grasslands, tropical forests, and tundras.
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