Cepedianus

Cepedianus is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerodermataceae. This genus was first described in 1947 by mycologist Rolf Singer. The type species is Cepedianus velutinus. Fungi in this genus are typically small to medium-sized, with a fleshy or leathery texture. They are characterized by a distinctive velvety outer layer, hence the species name "velutinus" which is Latin for velvety.

The basidiocarps, or fruiting bodies, of Cepedianus species are often gasteroid, meaning they resemble puffballs but are not typically formed by a complete enclosure of spores. Instead, they develop internally within the peridium, which is the outer wall of the fruiting body. When mature, the peridium may split or tear to release the spores. The spore mass, or gleba, within can vary in color, often appearing brown or purplish-brown.

Cepedianus species are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Their ecological role often involves association with trees, forming mycorrhizal relationships. These relationships are symbiotic, where the fungus benefits from nutrients provided by the tree, and the tree benefits from increased water and mineral absorption facilitated by the fungal mycelium. Research on Cepedianus is ongoing, with efforts to better understand its distribution, phylogenetic relationships within the Sclerodermataceae, and specific ecological interactions.