''Uncinocarpus'' is a genus of fungi within the Onygenaceae family. The name is derived from the Latin word ''uncinus'', meaning "hook" and the Greek language, Greek word ''karpos'' (καρπός), meaning "fruit". It was distinguished from the genus ''Gymnoascus'' based on keratinolytic capacity, ascospore morphology and the development of hooked, occasionally spiraling appendages.
[ Alternatively, ''Uncinocarpus'' species may possess helically coiled or smooth, wavy appendages, or lack appendages altogether, an example of such species being ''Uncinocarpus orissi, U. orissi''.][
Being a close non-pathogenic relative of the pathogenic dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, which cause Coccidioidomycosis, it is used in genomic research to help develop human vaccination, which might alleviate the Valley fever ''silent epidemic''.]
References
External links
*
Onygenales
Eurotiomycetes genera
Taxa described in 1976
{{Eurotiomycetes-stub