Korteilla

Korteilla is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Cortinariaceae. These mushrooms are typically found in temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere, often growing in association with trees, particularly conifers and deciduous species. The genus is characterized by its diverse morphology, with species varying in size, shape, and color. Many Korteilla species are known for their gill structure, which is usually attached to the stem and can range in color from pale to dark brown or even purplish.

Identifying Korteilla species can be challenging due to their significant variation and the presence of look-alikes. Some species are decomposers of wood and leaf litter, playing a role in nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems. However, it is important to note that many members of the Cortinariaceae family, including some within Korteilla, contain amatoxins, which are highly poisonous. Therefore, casual foraging of mushrooms from this genus is strongly discouraged without expert knowledge. Research into Korteilla continues to explore their ecological roles, chemical compounds, and evolutionary relationships within the broader fungal kingdom.