Strophariaceae

Strophariaceae is a family of gilled mushrooms in the order Agaricales, within the class Agaricomycetes of the Basidiomycota. The family has traditionally included a number of brown-spored, saprotrophic mushrooms that occur in woodlands, grasslands, and urban habitats.

Morphology and identification within Strophariaceae typically emphasize small to medium-sized fruit bodies with caps and gills. The gills are usually adnate to somewhat decurrent, and the spores are brown to dark brown, producing a brown spore print. Veil remnants and other cap or stem features can vary widely among genera and species, making field identification challenging without microscopic or chemical data.

Ecology and distribution: Species in this family are widespread in temperate and tropical regions and fruit in a range of seasons, especially autumn in many temperate zones. They are mostly saprotrophic, decomposing wood, leaf litter, or dung, contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Some members may occur in urban habitats, such as mulched garden beds or decaying wood in constructed environments.

Toxicology and human use: Many Strophariaceae species are considered edible or of little culinary value, though identification is essential due to the presence of look-alike poisonous species. A number of species are notable for containing psychoactive compounds, such as psilocybin, which has led to interest and controversy surrounding certain genera within the broader group historically placed in Strophariaceae.

Taxonomic notes: The circumscription of Strophariaceae has evolved with molecular phylogenetics, leading to redefinition and reallocation of several genera in different classification schemes. As a result, the genera included in Strophariaceae—and their exact relationships—may vary among sources and over time.