Cortinariaceae - Паутинниковые - Webcap mushrooms - Schleierlingsverwandte 8/13/09—10/19/24
The Cortinariaceae family is a group of basidiomycete fungi belonging to the order Agaricales, containing several genera, including the well-known Cortinarius genus, which is one of the largest genera of agarics, with over 2000 species worldwide.
Members of this family are characterized by their cortina, a veil-like structure made of fine web-like filaments that protect the developing gills in young fruiting bodies. The cortina often leaves a ring or zone of fibrils on the stem as the fruiting body matures.
Cortinariaceae fungi have medium to large fruiting bodies, which are often colorful, displaying shades of brown, purple, orange, or red.
They can be found in various habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and grasslands, with many species forming mycorrhizal relationships with trees or shrubs, helping them absorb nutrients and water from the soil.
The Cortinariaceae family has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
Spore prints of Cortinariaceae fungi are typically brown, rusty-brown, or ochre, and their spores are ornamented with warts, ridges, or reticulations, depending on the species.
Cortinariaceae fungi are known for their diverse range of odors, with some species having a pleasant smell, while others may have an unpleasant or even pungent odor.
The edibility of Cortinariaceae fungi is highly variable. Some species, such as Cortinarius caperatus, are edible and even considered choice by some, while others contain toxic compounds and can cause severe poisoning or even death, as in the case of Cortinarius orellanus and Cortinarius rubellus.
Due to the risk of misidentifying toxic species, it is strongly advised not to consume any Cortinariaceae fungi unless they have been positively identified by an expert.
Ecologically, Cortinariaceae fungi play essential roles in nutrient cycling and maintaining the health of their host plants by forming mycorrhizal associations.
Cortinariaceae species exhibit considerable morphological variation, making identification challenging. Microscopic examination of spores, gill structure, and other features is often necessary for accurate identification.
Molecular phylogenetic studies have significantly impacted the classification of Cortinariaceae, revealing new relationships between species and genera, and sometimes leading to the reassignment of species to different genera.
Some Cortinariaceae species, such as Cortinarius violaceus, are known for their striking appearance, with deep violet or purple fruiting bodies that can be visually striking in their natural habitat.
Cortinariaceae fungi have been used in traditional medicine in some cultures, and recent research has identified bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, which may have potential applications in modern medicine.