Verdariaceae

Verdariaceae 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, often brightly colored, and often edible mushrooms. The family is named after the type genus Verdaria, which was originally described by Elias Magnus Fries in 1821. Verdariaceae is a relatively small family, containing about 20 genera and over 100 species. The mushrooms in this family are typically found in temperate and boreal forests, often growing on the ground or on dead wood. They are known for their distinctive, often lobed or wavy gills, and their often brightly colored caps. Many species in this family are edible, and some are also used in traditional medicine. However, it is important to note that some species can be toxic, and should be avoided. The taxonomy of Verdariaceae is still a topic of ongoing research, and new species and genera are still being discovered.