Oksanhariaceae

Oksanhariaceae is a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales. The family was established in 2019 by molecular phylogenetic studies, which revealed that many species previously assigned to other families, particularly the Hygrophoraceae, did not group together based on genetic evidence. The type genus for Oksanhariaceae is Oksananthus, named after the Finnish mycologist Veikko Oksanen.

Members of this family are typically small to medium-sized mushrooms, often with fleshy or waxy fruiting bodies. Their gills are usually decurrent, meaning they run down the stipe. While some Oksanhariaceae species are brightly colored, others are more inconspicuous, often found in terrestrial habitats. Their ecological roles are diverse, with some species associated with specific plant partners as mycorrhizal fungi, while others are saprotrophic, decomposing organic matter.

The phylogenetic reclassification leading to the establishment of Oksanhariaceae highlights the ongoing refinement of fungal taxonomy through molecular data. This family now encompasses a group of related species that share evolutionary history but may exhibit variations in macroscopic morphology and habitat preferences. Further research continues to explore the biodiversity and evolutionary relationships within Oksanhariaceae.