Dematiaceous

/ˌdeɪmətiˈeɪʃəs/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by dark pigmentation, typically describing fungi with dark spores or hyphae.

Etymology

From dematiaceae + -ous (Latin adjective suffix). Describes the pigmentation characteristic of the Dematiaceae family and related fungi.

Kelly Says

Mycologists love the word 'dematiaceous' because these dark-pigmented fungi are often the culprits in plant diseases, and their dark color actually helps them survive UV radiation and harsh conditions.

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