Entoloma

Entoloma is a large and diverse genus of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales, commonly known as the brown bowls or pinkgills. The genus is characterized by its gilled mushrooms, which typically have a convex to flat cap and gills that are initially pale, turning pinkish with age as the spores mature. The spores are angular and usually pink in mass. Entoloma species are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter, and are found in a variety of habitats worldwide, including forests, grasslands, and cultivated areas.

Many Entoloma species are difficult to identify and require microscopic examination of spores and other features for accurate classification. Some species are edible, but many are toxic, and a few are known to be poisonous. Due to the potential for confusion with edible mushrooms and the presence of toxic species, foraging for Entoloma is generally not recommended for inexperienced individuals. The genus is of ecological importance as decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Ongoing research continues to refine the taxonomy of Entoloma, with molecular studies revealing complex relationships within the genus.