Opillisiaceae

Opillisiaceae is a family of fungi in the order Russulales. The family was circumscribed by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1951, and it is characterized by its distinctive fruit bodies and spores. The family includes several genera, with Opillia being the type genus. Opillisiaceae is known for its distinctive, often brightly colored fruit bodies, which are typically small to medium-sized and have a cap that is initially convex before becoming flattened and sometimes slightly depressed. The gills are usually adnate to decurrent, and the spores are smooth and ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid. The family is found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even on human-made structures. Some species are edible, while others are considered inedible or potentially poisonous. The taxonomy of Opillisiaceae is still a subject of ongoing research, with new species and genera being described regularly. The family is of interest to mycologists and fungi enthusiasts alike, due to its unique and often striking appearance.