Phylogeny andtaxonomy ofGlomeromycota
The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and related fungi, classified on evidence: DNA sequence data and the rules of the Botanical Code.
AM fungi cannot be grown without a host plant, so much of the work starts with roots and spores seen under the lens.
Fungi that live inside the roots of most land plants
AM fungi are among the most widespread fungal symbionts on Earth, yet they are hard to study because they cannot be grown without a host plant. Reliable names, reference sequences and a stable classification matter to anyone who works with them.
This site is a working reference on their phylogeny and taxonomy: the current systematics, a species list with DNA-based identifiers, and phylogenetic trees that show how the classification developed.
Start with these articles
Names, species anchors, reference data and tree reading, explained step by step.
Index Fungorum, Species Fungorum and the Botanical Code
The Botanical Code is followed up to and including the rank of family, with Index Fungorum as the reference for names.
Read articleAnchoring the Species Rhizophagus intraradices
In 2021, Walker and colleagues anchored the species Rhizophagus intraradices, giving a well-known name a firm reference point.
Read articlePhylogenetic Reference Data, from Phylum to Species
In 2012, Krüger and colleagues released phylogenetic reference data covering the group from phylum to species level.
Read articleHow to Read a Phylogenetic Tree of AM Fungi
Branches, nodes and support values: what each part of a tree of AM fungi tells you, and what it does not.
Read articleWhy the Genus Glomus Had to Be Split
In 2001, Glomus, then the largest genus, was shown to be non-monophyletic: its species sat on several distant branches.
Read articleGlomeromycota or Glomeromycotina? The Rank Debate
The site does not adopt the placing of AM fungi in the Glomeromycotina, because the phylum level may eventually be resurrected.
Read articleWhat EP Numbers Are and Why They Matter
Identifiers for species characterized by DNA barcoding of the LSU D2 region, so studies can be compared even when names change.
Read articleA short history of the work
Six steps in the classification of the group. Pick a year.
Glomus is not one lineage
Schwarzott, Walker and Schüßler showed that Glomus, then the largest genus of the group, was not monophyletic. Its species fell into several distant branches, later called Glomus Groups A, B and C.
Schwarzott D, Walker C, Schüßler A (2001) Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 21: 190-197
New families in the Diversisporales
The families Pacisporaceae and Diversisporaceae were recognized within the Diversisporales, and species formerly called Glomus were moved to new genera.
Walker C, Schüßler A (2004) Mycological Research 108: 981-982
A species list with new genera
Schüßler and Walker published a species list with new families and new genera. The model fungus formerly called Glomus intraradices DAOM197198 became Rhizophagus irregularis.
Schüßler A, Walker C (2010)
Reference data, phylum to species
Krüger and colleagues released phylogenetic reference data covering the group from phylum to species level.
Krüger et al. (2012)
An evidence-based consensus
Redecker and co-authors published an evidence-based consensus classification of the Glomeromycota.
Redecker et al. (2013)
Rhizophagus intraradices anchored
Walker and colleagues anchored the species Rhizophagus intraradices.
Walker et al. (2021)
What you will find here
The site was meant as a working reference for researchers. This is its fact sheet.
The phylogeny and taxonomy of the Glomeromycota, the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and related fungi.
A classification that rests on evidence, on DNA sequence data and on the rules of the Botanical Code.
The Botanical Code is followed up to and including the rank of family, with Index Fungorum as the reference for names.
Valid and some invalid species names, with EP numbers for species characterized by DNA barcoding of the LSU D2 region.
Four trees showing the classification of the Glomeromycota in 2001, 2004, 2010 and 2013.
Sequence alignments and a tree file from the papers of Krüger et al. (2012) and Walker et al. (2021).
The original site announced it would close by the end of 2024 and warns that its data may be outdated from the formal point of view.
Seen up close
Tap any plate to open it larger.
Fungal hyphae
Mycorrhizal roots
Roots and mycelium
Under the microscope
Plant hosts
Photographs from Unsplash.
Browse by category
Four topics cover everything on the site.
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