Anaerobic Gut Fungus
Piromyces communis
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Edibility inedible
Phylum Neocallimastigomycota
Family Neocallimastigaceae
Conservation Not applicable
Complete Taxonomy
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Neocallimastigomycota
Class: Neocallimastigomycetes
Order: Neocallimastigales
Family: Neocallimastigaceae
Genus: Piromyces
Species: P. communis
Description
Piromyces communis is an anaerobic fungus inhabiting herbivore digestive systems. It produces uniflagellate zoospores and powerful fiber-degrading enzymes, playing a vital role in breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose in plant material consumed by livestock.
Physical Characteristics
Cap Shape: Microscopic monocentric or polycentric thallus
Cap Color: Microscopic
Size: Microscopic
Gill Attachment: N/A
Spore Print: N/A
Stipe: Uniflagellate zoospores
Habitat: Herbivore digestive tracts
Fruiting Season: Continuous in host
Distribution
Worldwide in herbivore guts
Habitat
Obligate anaerobic fungus in rumen and hindgut of herbivores.
Ecological Role
Crucial for fiber digestion in ruminants and other herbivores. Produces cellulases, hemicellulases, and xylanases.
Fascinating Facts
- Strictly anaerobic lifestyle
- Produces uniflagellate zoospores
- Essential for livestock nutrition
- Source of industrial enzymes
- Helps reduce methane production in ruminants
- Can degrade lignin - rare ability