Cortinariaceae

views updated

Cortinariaceae (order Agaricales) A family of fungi in which the spores in masses appear brownish or rust-coloured. The fruit body characteristically has a fine, cobweb-like cortina when young; the stipe (when present) and pileus are confluent. There are many genera, found mainly on soil, and particularly in woods, where many species form mycorrhizal associations with trees.