Physalacriaceae

Physalacriaceae is a family of saprotrophic and sometimes parasitic fungi in the order Agaricales, within the class Agaricomycetes of Basidiomycota. Members are commonly ectomycorrhizal or wood-decaying mushrooms that form gilled basidiocarps. The family name derives from the type genus Physalacria.

Taxonomy: The family currently includes several genera, among them Armillaria, Flammulina, Hypsizygus, Oudemansiella, and Physalacria. The circumscription has been refined through molecular phylogenetics, leading to reassignments and a more stable framework within Agaricales.

Ecology and notable species: Armillaria spp. are well-known forest pathogens causing root rot and honey mushrooms. Flammulina velutipes, the enoki mushroom, is cultivated for food. Hypsizygus tessellatus (shimeji) is also cultivated. Oudemansiella mucida, the porcelain fungus, grows on decaying beech wood. Physalacria species are generally small to medium-sized mushrooms found on wood or litter.

Morphology: Fruiting bodies are typically cap-and-stalk mushrooms with gills bearing a white to cream spore print. Many species produce rhizomorphs—dark, root-like aggregations that help in colonizing wood.

Significance: The group includes ecologically important wood decayers and forest pathogens, and several species are cultivated for food. The family’s boundaries have shifted with advances in DNA sequencing, reflecting ongoing revisions in fungal systematics.