Cryptarum

Cryptarum is a genus of fungi in the family Agaricaceae. The genus was circumscribed by mycologist Lucien Quélet in 1886. The type species is Cryptarum laeve. Cryptarum species are typically characterized by their small, cup-shaped basidiocarps, which are often found growing on decaying wood or other organic matter. The genus is known for its distinctive, often colorful, and sometimes intricate gills. Cryptarum fungi are not typically edible and are generally considered inedible or even poisonous. The genus is found in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. Cryptarum species are often studied by mycologists for their taxonomic and ecological significance.