ABSTRACT
Dikarya, the fungal subkingdom, consists of the majority of higher fungi. It gains its name from dikaryons, which is a stage of life that contains two genetically distinct nuclei. The phylum Basidiomycota consists of the most complex and evolutionarily advanced members of this subkingdom, which includes some of the most iconic fungal species, such as the gilled mushrooms, puffballs and bracket fungi. Basidiomycota inhabit a wide range of ecological niches, carrying out vital ecosystem roles, particularly in carbon cycling and serve as symbiotic partners with a range of tree species. Fomes fomentarius is a white rot fungus that causes heartrot of wood; it is also known as tinder or iceman’s fungus.
