Aheneus

Aheneus is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Hyaloscyphaceae. The genus was described in 1980 by mycologists J.C. Krug and J.F. Ammirati, and it currently contains a small number of species. These fungi are typically found growing on decaying woody material, such as fallen branches and logs, in various forest ecosystems. Their ecological role involves the decomposition of lignin and cellulose, contributing to nutrient cycling in their habitats.

The fruiting bodies of Aheneus are generally small and cup-shaped, often referred to as apothecia. These structures are typically hyaline or translucent, and their size can range from a few millimeters to less than a centimeter in diameter. Microscopic examination is usually required for definitive identification, as distinguishing features often lie in the shape and ornamentation of the spores and asci. The ascospores are typically hyaline and elongated.

Species within the Aheneus genus are distributed across different geographical regions, though detailed distribution data for all species may be limited. Research on Aheneus is ongoing, with mycologists continuing to study its taxonomy, ecology, and distribution. The genus is of interest to those studying fungal biodiversity and decomposition processes in forest environments.