Amendamalus

Amendamalus is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerodermataceae. This genus was first described in 1947 by mycologist André Moreau. The type species is Amendamalus compactus.

Species within Amendamalus are characterized by their relatively small, tough fruiting bodies that often develop underground or at the soil surface. The peridium, or outer layer, is typically thick and leathery. Inside, the gleba, which contains the spores, is firm and powdery when mature. The spore color is usually dark brown to black.

These fungi are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter in the soil. They are found in various terrestrial habitats, often associated with forests. The exact ecological role and distribution of Amendamalus species are subjects of ongoing mycological research.

There are currently a limited number of recognized species within the genus Amendamalus. Further taxonomic studies and genetic analysis are likely to refine our understanding of this genus and its phylogenetic relationships within the Sclerodermataceae family.