Sporophore morphology and development in the myxomycetes: a review

Since the sporophores of the myxomycetes are the primary basis of taxonomy in the myxomycetes, an understanding of the development and range of variations of the various morphological structures is essential to constructing a valid system. A review of the morphology of the stipe, peridium, capillitium, and spores and their developmental aspects was undertaken and the resulting morphological hypotheses tested against recent advancements in DNA phylogeny, isozyme and DNA population, and genetic reproduction studies.