Leucopaxillus

Leucopaxillus is a genus of fungi in the family Mycenaceae. The genus was circumscribed by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1951. The genus name is derived from the Greek words "leukos," meaning white, and "paxillus," meaning a small mushroom. The genus is characterized by its white to cream-colored caps and gills, and its presence on dead wood or other decaying organic matter. Leucopaxillus species are typically small to medium-sized mushrooms, with caps that are convex to flat and gills that are free and white. The spores are smooth, ellipsoid, and measure 7-10 by 4-5 micrometers. The genus is distributed worldwide, with species found in temperate and tropical regions. Leucopaxillus is an important genus in mycology, as it provides valuable insights into the diversity and ecology of fungi. The genus is also of interest to mycologists due to its potential use in biotechnology, as some species have been shown to produce enzymes with industrial applications.