Pleurotaceae

Pleurotaceae is a fungal family in the order Agaricales. The family comprises a small number of genera, the most prominent being Pleurotus, whose members are commonly known as oyster mushrooms. The best-known species is Pleurotus ostreatus, with Pleurotus pulmonarius also widely cultivated. Other genera formerly grouped within Pleurotaceae have been variably placed in related families depending on the taxonomic framework; molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified these relationships and prompted reclassification in some treatments.

Ecology and morphology: Fungi in this family are typically saprotrophic and grow on decaying wood, often in clusters or shelf-like formations. They produce gilled, decurrent lamellae, and caps that range in shape from fan-like to kidney-shaped. The stem is typically short or absent in many species, giving a fan- or oyster-like appearance.

Distribution and application: Pleurotus species are widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions and are among the most cultivated edible mushrooms worldwide, valued for their flavor, texture, and nutritional content. They are also explored for biotechnological applications, including biodegradation and bioremediation of pollutants.

Taxonomy: Pleurotaceae is placed within Agaricales, with ongoing revisions based on DNA analysis. The arrangement and circumscription of genera within the family have varied as new molecular data accumulate.