Cortinariaceae

Cortinariaceae is a large family of gilled mushrooms, with a cosmopolitan distribution. This family contains the genus Cortinarius, which is possibly the largest genus of mushrooms in the world. The family is currently under revision, with many species being transferred to other families.

Taxonomy

The family Cortinariaceae was first described by the French mycologist Lucien Quélet in 1886. The name is derived from the Latin cortina, meaning "curtain", which refers to the characteristic veil found in species of this family.

Description

Members of the Cortinariaceae are typically medium to large agarics, with a cap, gills, and a stem with a ring or a cortina (a cobweb-like veil). The spore print is usually rusty brown. The flesh of these mushrooms is typically mild or slightly radish-like in taste.

Genera

The family Cortinariaceae contains several genera, including:

• Cortinarius
• Gymnopilus
• Inocybe
• Hebeloma
• Pholiota

Ecology

Cortinariaceae species are primarily saprophytic, decomposing organic matter, but some are also mycorrhizal, forming symbiotic relationships with plants.

Toxicity

Many species in the Cortinariaceae family are poisonous, and some are deadly. The deadly species often contain the toxin orellanine, which can cause kidney failure.

See also

• List of Agaricales families