The order Microbotryales is a group of fungi within the class Exobasidiomycetes, primarily known for their role as plant pathogens, especially infecting flowering plants. Members of this order are often characterized by their production of smut-like spores on host tissues, frequently targeting reproductive structures such as flowers, anthers, or ovaries. They exhibit a biotrophic lifestyle, meaning they depend on living host tissue for growth and reproduction, and many species have complex life cycles involving both yeast-like and filamentous stages. Microbotryales are ecologically significant due to their specialized interactions with host plants and their potential impact on plant reproduction and ecosystems.