Veil (mycology)

Veil (mycology)

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Cortinarius claricolor with a visible cortina

In mycology, a veil is a structure that covers or encloses parts of a mushroom during its development. Veils are important for the identification and classification of fungi, particularly in the Agaricales order. There are two main types of veils: the universal veil and the partial veil.

Universal Veil

The universal veil is a temporary structure that completely encloses the immature fruiting body of certain basidiomycetes. As the mushroom grows, the universal veil breaks, often leaving remnants such as warts or patches on the cap or a volva at the base of the stipe.

Partial Veil

The partial veil is a structure that covers the gills or other spore-producing surfaces of a young mushroom. As the mushroom matures, the partial veil breaks, often leaving a ring or annulus on the stipe. In some species, the partial veil is a cobweb-like structure known as a cortina.

Cortina

A cortina is a type of partial veil that is characteristic of the genus Cortinarius. It is a fine, cobweb-like structure that stretches from the edge of the cap to the stipe. As the mushroom matures, the cortina breaks, often leaving a faint ring or remnants on the stipe. The presence of a cortina is a key feature in identifying species within the Cortinarius genus.

Related Pages

• Mushroom anatomy
• Fungal morphology
• Cortinarius
• Agaricales