Heppeella

Heppeella is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Marasmiaceae. This genus was first described in 1989 by mycologist W. D. Grishin. The type species for the genus is Heppeella brunnea. Fungi in the Heppeella genus are generally small, with delicate fruiting bodies. They are typically found growing on decaying wood or leaf litter in forest environments.

The basidiocarps, or fruiting bodies, of Heppeella species are often characterized by their small size, with caps measuring only a few millimeters in diameter. The color can vary, but many species exhibit brown or grayish hues. The stipe, or stem, is usually thin and fragile. Microscopically, Heppeella species are distinguished by their spore characteristics and the structure of their hyphae.

Species within Heppeella are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients from dead organic matter. This ecological role contributes to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. While some species may be widespread, others have more restricted distributions. Research into the genetic relationships of Heppeella species continues to refine their classification within the Marasmiaceae family. Further studies are ongoing to fully understand the diversity and ecological significance of this fungal genus.