kerastos

Kerastos is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerodermataceae. The name derives from the Greek word "keratos," meaning horn, likely referring to the tough, leathery texture of the fruiting bodies. Species within this genus are typically found in terrestrial habitats, often in association with trees, forming mycorrhizal relationships. They are characterized by their generally spherical or irregular-shaped sporocarps, which are often tough and brittle when mature. The internal structure is typically hollow or chambered, and the spore mass can range in color from white to brown or black. Spores are generally globose to subglobose and possess a rough or echinulate surface.

The taxonomy of Kerastos has been subject to revision, with some species previously assigned to other genera like Scleroderma being reclassified. Identification of Kerastos species often relies on a combination of morphological characteristics of the fruiting body, microscopic features of the spores, and increasingly, molecular data. Distribution of Kerastos species is varied, with different species found across temperate and tropical regions. While not generally considered of significant culinary or economic importance, their ecological role as mycorrhizal partners in forest ecosystems is noteworthy. Further research continues to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and ecological roles of fungi within this genus.