Coniophora

/ˌkoʊniəˈfɔːrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of wood-rotting fungi commonly found in damp buildings that causes serious structural damage to timber.

Etymology

From Greek 'konios' (dust) + 'phora' (bearing or carrying), referring to how this fungus disperses dust-like spores.

Kelly Says

Coniophora puteana, the 'wet rot' fungus, has destroyed countless medieval buildings across Europe—it's estimated that more historical structures have been lost to this single fungus than to warfare, making it an underrated enemy of human heritage.

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