Cantharellaceae

Cantharellaceae is a small family of mushroom-forming fungi in the order Cantharellales. Members are best known for chanterelle mushrooms, including the edible golden chanterelle, Cantharellus cibarius, and related species. The family comprises several genera of gill-like mushrooms that form decurrent, forked ridges rather than true gills.

Description: Fruit bodies are variable in shape, often funnel- or trumpet-shaped with a depressed cap center. The hymenophore consists of blunt, forked ridges that run down the stipe (decurrent). Spore prints are pale to white; microscopic features include ellipsoid to elongated spores and basidia typically with four sterigmata.

Taxonomy: Cantharellaceae includes the genera Cantharellus and Craterellus as its core members, with molecular studies clarifying their relationships within Cantharellales. Some Craterellus species, previously treated separately, are now commonly placed in Cantharellaceae; the group is defined by a chanterelle-like morphology and ectomycorrhizal lifestyle rather than by traditional gilled taxonomy.

Ecology and distribution: Cantharellaceae species form ectomycorrhizal associations with trees, including oaks, pines, and other hardwoods and conifers. They fruit in temperate forests across the globe, with summer and autumn fruiting in many regions and some winter-season species such as Craterellus tubaeformis.

Edibility and uses: Many species are edible and sought after for culinary use, noted for their aroma and texture. Identification should be cautious, as some look-alikes are not suitable for consumption. The family has ecological importance as a component of forest ecosystems and as a food resource for humans and wildlife.