Thus, they are classified as ascomycetes. Includes important decomposers and both mutualistic and parasitic symbionts. Many live symbiotically with algae as lichens. The division Basidiomycota, or club fungi, includes mushrooms, shelf fungi, puffballs, and stinkhorns. Are important decomposers of wood and other plant material.
Saprobic basidiomycetes can decompose the complex polymer lignin, an abundant component of wood.
Include mycorrhiza-forming mutualists and plant parasites. Many shelf fungi are tree parasites that function later as saprobes after the trees die. Include mushroom-forming fungi, only a few of which are strictly parasitic. About half are saprobic and the other half form mycorrhizae. Include the rusts and smuts, which are plant parasites.