根霉属（学名：Rhizopus）真菌主要外观特征为具有假根（rhizoid）及匍匐菌丝（stolon）。孢子囊柄（sporangiophore）以单支或数支成束的方式自匍匐菌丝长出，孢子囊柄基部往往与假根基部相对。孢子囊柄不分枝，其顶端有一圆球形孢子囊（sporangium），囊内有许多孢囊孢子（sporangiospore）。孢子囊有囊轴、囊领、囊托等构造，成熟时呈现灰色至褐色。

孢囊孢子呈圆球形、椭球形或不规则球形，表面有纹路。产生孢囊孢子为根霉属真菌的无性繁殖方式之一。另一种根霉属真菌的无性繁殖方式为菌丝局部膨大形成厚膜孢子（chlamydospore）。

Rhizopus is a genus of common saprophytic fungi on plants and specialized parasites on animals. They are found on a wide variety of organic substrates, including "mature fruits and vegetables", jellies, syrups, leather, bread, peanuts, and tobacco. Some Rhizopus species are opportunistic agents of human zygomycosis (fungal infection) and can be fatal. Rhizopus infections may also be a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis. This widespread genus includes at least eight species.