Aluessa

Aluessa is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerodermataceae. These fungi are characterized by their terrestrial, gilled fruiting bodies, which often have a tough, leathery texture. The genus was first described by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1951.

The sporocarps of Aluessa species are typically hypogeous or semi-hypogeous, meaning they grow underground or partially underground. They are generally small to medium-sized, with a cap that can range in color from white to brown. The gills are adnate to decurrent and can be white, cream, or pinkish.

Reproduction in Aluessa occurs through the production of spores. These spores are generally globose to subglobose and possess a rough or echinulate surface. The spore print is typically brown.

Aluessa species are found in various parts of the world, often associated with specific tree hosts. Their ecological roles are not extensively studied, but like many fungi, they likely play a part in nutrient cycling within their ecosystems. Further research is needed to fully understand the distribution, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships of this genus.