Lapallisia

Lapallisia is a genus of fungi in the family Tricholomataceae. The genus was circumscribed by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1951. The name Lapallisia is derived from the Latin word "lapallia," meaning "a small, round, or spherical object," referring to the shape of the basidia in the genus. The genus is characterized by its small, cup-shaped basidiocarps, which are typically found growing on the ground in deciduous forests. Lapallisia species are known for their distinctive, often colorful, spore prints. The genus includes several species, with Lapallisia helvola being one of the most well-known. Lapallisia fungi are not considered edible and are generally of little culinary interest. They are more notable for their ecological role in decomposing organic matter in forest ecosystems. The genus Lapallisia is a part of the broader study of mycology, the scientific discipline dedicated to the study of fungi.