Marasmiaceae

A family of fungi in the order Agaricales

The Marasmiaceae is a family of fungi in the order Agaricales. This family includes several genera of mushrooms, many of which are small and have a characteristic tough, leathery texture. The family is known for its ability to revive after drying out, a feature that is particularly notable in the type genus, Marasmius.

Description

Members of the Marasmiaceae family are typically small to medium-sized agarics, with caps that are often convex to flat. The gills are usually adnate to adnexed, and the stipe is often tough and wiry. A distinctive feature of many species in this family is their ability to dry out and then revive when moistened, a trait known as marcescence.

Genera

The family Marasmiaceae includes several genera, some of which are:

• Marasmius - The type genus, known for its small, tough mushrooms that can revive after drying.
• Marasmiellus - Similar to Marasmius, but often with more delicate fruiting bodies.
• Gymnopus - Includes species that were formerly classified under Collybia.
• Micromphale - Known for its small, delicate mushrooms.

Ecology

Marasmiaceae fungi are primarily saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter. They play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by breaking down leaf litter and other organic debris, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Notable Species

One of the most well-known species in this family is Marasmius rotula, commonly known as the "pinwheel mushroom". It is characterized by its small, white cap and distinctive black stipe. Marasmius rotula is often found growing on leaf litter in deciduous forests.

Related pages

• Agaricales
• Basidiomycota
• Fungi