hymenomycetes

hymenomycetes, name often given to an informal grouping of fungi that are members of the phylum Basidiomycota (kingdom Fungi). It includes more than 5,000 species characterized by an exposed spore-bearing layer (hymenium) and basidiospores that are forcibly discharged. Included are boletes, canterelles, coral fungi, mushrooms, and pore fungi. A fruiting body, almost totally lacking in some genera, is highly developed in others.