Pinicenna

Pinicenna is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Sclerodermataceae. These fungi are characterized by their generally globose or subglobose fruiting bodies, known as basidiocarps. The outer layer of the fruiting body, the peridium, is typically thick and leathery, often becoming cracked or reticulated with age. Internally, the gleba, which contains the spores, is initially fleshy but soon dries out and breaks down into a powdery mass of spores. The spores of Pinicenna are usually rough-walled and spherical to subglobose.

The genus Pinicenna is found in various terrestrial habitats, often associated with the soil. They are known to form mycorrhizal associations with trees, playing a role in nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems. Distribution of Pinicenna species is widespread across different continents, though specific habitat preferences can vary. Identification of species within Pinicenna can be challenging and often relies on microscopic features of the spores and peridium, in addition to macroscopic characteristics of the fruiting body.

While some species within the Sclerodermataceae family are known for their edibility or toxicity, detailed information regarding the edibility of Pinicenna species is limited, and they are generally not considered culinary mushrooms. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the ecological roles and taxonomic relationships of fungi within the Pinicenna genus.