Ceratostomella

/ˌsɛrətɑstəˈmɛlə/ noun

Definition

A genus of fungi in the family Ceratostomataceae, commonly associated with bark beetles and wood decay.

Etymology

From Ceratostomataceae (the fungal family) + diminutive suffix '-ella'. Diminutive form suggesting smaller or more specific fungi within the larger family group.

Kelly Says

Ceratostomella ulmi is the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease, one of the most devastating plant plagues in history—it killed millions of elm trees across Europe and America, transforming entire city landscapes in just decades.

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