Leotia species are characterized by their capitate
ascocarps. Within the class
Leotiomycetes,
Leotia species produce large fruiting bodies; their long-stalked
apothecia bear a fertile layer of
asci that covers the upper surface of a mushroom-like cap.
Leotia is closely related to
Microglossum, another genus characterized by capitate ascocarps. The species of
Leotia have traditionally been defined largely by the fresh color of the ascocarps (tan in
L. lubrica, olive-green in
L. atrovirens, and green-headed with a yellow stalk in
L. viscosa). However, a molecular
phylogenetic study revealed that color is a poor predictor of species affiliation, suggesting further study is needed to develop new, more predictive species concepts. ==Gallery==