Warpingia

Warpingia is a genus of fungi in the family Cortinariaceae. It was first described by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1951. The genus is characterized by its cortina (a veil-like structure) that is persistent and forms a ring on the stipe (stem) of the mushroom. Warpingia species are typically found in temperate and boreal forests, often growing on dead wood or in leaf litter.

The genus includes several species, each with distinct morphological features. For example, Warpingia atropurpurea has a purple cap and stipe, while Warpingia aurea has a yellowish-brown cap and stipe. The spores of Warpingia species are typically smooth and ellipsoid, measuring around 7-9 by 4-5 micrometers.

Warpingia fungi are not typically consumed due to their small size and the presence of the cortina, which can be difficult to remove. However, they are of interest to mycologists for their unique morphological features and ecological roles in forest ecosystems. Further research is needed to fully understand the taxonomy and ecology of this genus.