malliensa

Malliensa is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Amorphothecaceae. These fungi are characterized by their distinctive reproductive structures, often forming small, spherical to ovoid perithecia that can be embedded in the host tissue or superficial. The genus was first described by German mycologist Hans Rehm in 1897.

Species within the genus Malliensa are typically found on decaying woody material, such as twigs and bark, and are often associated with specific host tree species. Their distribution is generally widespread across temperate regions. The morphology of the asci and ascospores are key characteristics used in the identification and classification of different species. Asci are usually cylindrical or clavate and contain a specific number of ascospores, which can vary in shape and size.

Research on Malliensa is ongoing, with efforts focused on understanding their ecological roles, genetic diversity, and potential biotechnological applications. Like many fungal genera, Malliensa contributes to the decomposition of organic matter in forest ecosystems. Further taxonomic studies are being conducted to clarify the phylogenetic relationships among existing species and to potentially identify new ones.