Asterinella

Asterinella is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Asterinaceae. These fungi are primarily known as leaf-inhabiting ascomycetes, often found on tropical and subtropical plants.

Asterinella species are characterized by their superficial, black, crust-like or punctiform (dot-like) colonies on the surface of leaves. Microscopically, they exhibit ascomata (fruiting bodies) that are typically shield-shaped or flattened. The ascospores, which are the reproductive spores, are usually brown and have a characteristic transverse septum (dividing wall).

The fungi in the Asterinella genus are obligate parasites, meaning they require a living host plant to survive and reproduce. While they can cause cosmetic damage to the leaves, they are not generally considered to be economically significant pathogens.

Taxonomic classification within the Asterinella genus has been subject to revision over time, with some species being reclassified into other genera. Further research using molecular techniques is ongoing to better understand the phylogenetic relationships within Asterinaceae and to accurately identify and classify Asterinella species.