Crenulataceae

Crenulataceae is a family of fungi in the order Helotiales. The family was circumscribed by mycologist Robert Kühner in 1938, and it is characterized by its ascomata (fruit bodies) that are typically cup-shaped, with a crenulate (toothed) margin. The family includes both terrestrial and aquatic species, with a global distribution.

The ascomata of Crenulataceae are usually small, ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 mm in diameter, and are typically sessile or stalked. The hymenium (the fertile layer of the ascus) is typically hyaline (translucent), and the asci are usually clavate (club-shaped) and contain eight spores. The spores are typically hyaline, smooth, and ellipsoid to fusiform in shape.

The family Crenulataceae is diverse, with over 100 species described worldwide. Some species are known to produce secondary metabolites, such as pigments and toxins, which may have potential applications in medicine and industry. However, the ecological roles of most species in the family are not well understood.

The taxonomy of Crenulataceae has been the subject of some debate, with some species previously placed in the family Helotiaceae now being reclassified in Crenulataceae. Further research is needed to clarify the relationships within the family and to better understand the ecological roles of its members.