Mantellaceae

Mantellaceae is a family of fungi within the order Cantharellales. It was established by the mycologist Long in 1994. The family consists of about 20 species, which are commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Mantellaceae are thought to be ancient lineages, and their morphology is considered to be highly specialized.

Members of this family are characterized by their unique microscopic features and growth habits. They form fruiting bodies that are often chlamydospore-producing, which helps in their identification. Many species within Mantellaceae have white or yellowish-cream colors, although some are colored in shades of brown or black. The size of the fruiting bodies ranges from relatively small to quite large.

Mantellaceae species have different ecological roles in their respective ecosystems. They are saprotrophic fungi, obtaining nutrients from decaying organic matter, and contribute to nutrient cycling. They have also been found growing in association with plant roots, where they may form mycorrhizal associations, improving the host plant's growth.

The systematics and phylogeny of Mantellaceae have been somewhat challenging to resolve due to inadequate DNA sequence data. However, molecular studies, together with classical morphological taxonomic work, have provided some insights into this fungal group's evolution and relationships to other Cantharellales lineages. Overall, the Mantellaceae are a group of fascinating fungi, exhibiting specialized structures and distinctive ecological strategies.