Examine other specimens infected with this smut fungus. Tilletia -sori are dusty at maturity but the spores are small. Examine wheat heads infected with Tilletia caries . The life cycle of Tilletia caries are also illustrated in the attached figures. C. Order Auriculariales basidium transversely septate and four-celled.
Some species have dolipore septa.
Most species are saprobic but a few are parasitic. There is a single family, the Auriculariaceae. Put a dried Auricularia auricula in water and watch it turn jelly-like. Note the shape and consistency of the basisocarp. This fungus is referred to as wood ear.