ABSTRACT
Scientists faced with issues relating to mycotoxin-producing and clinically important fungi frequently complain about changing classications, changes of names, and difculties of identi-cation. These are all critical when considering fungi that can be harmful to humankind. A sound classication based on evolutionary relationships can be predictive of the kinds of products a fungus may produce, its substrates, and physiological properties. Scientic names are crucial to all communication about, and accessing the accumulated research base on, species. And reliable identications are essential when considering risks, remedial action, and prophylaxis. The underlying explanation for these understandable irritations is threefold: ignorance of the fungi present on Earth, historical nomenclatural practices, and difculties of identication. This contribution can be no panacea but may assist in understanding and contending with these frustrations. Attention is also drawn to actions currently being implemented to streamline the internationally agreed naming systems and prospects for the future.
