tellisteta

Tellisteta is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Endocarponaceae. These fungi are typically found on soil and rock surfaces in various terrestrial environments. They are characterized by their small, typically dark-colored ascocarps, which are often immersed in or sessile on the substrate. The asci within the ascocarps are usually bitunicate and contain a single, large ascospore.

The taxonomy of Tellisteta has undergone revisions, with some species previously assigned to other genera now placed within Tellisteta. Their ecological role is primarily that of a decomposer or colonizer of mineral substrates. They are not generally considered pathogenic to plants or animals.

Species within the Tellisteta genus are often difficult to distinguish morphologically, making identification challenging. Further research, including molecular phylogenetic studies, has been crucial in clarifying the relationships between different Tellisteta species and their placement within the fungal kingdom. The distribution of Tellisteta species is widespread, although specific habitat preferences can vary.