foliota

Foliota is a genus of gilled mushrooms in the order Agaricales. The taxonomy of Foliota has shifted with advances in molecular phylogeny; while it was long placed in the family Tricholomataceae, it is now treated within broader clades of the Agaricales, with various species assigned to related families. The genus includes numerous species distributed worldwide, especially in temperate forests.

Foliota fruit bodies are typically small to medium in size. Caps are often 2–8 cm across, variable in shape from convex to shallowly depressed, and commonly bear a scaly or fibrous surface. Colors range from pale yellow to brown, frequently with a darker center. The gills are attached to the stem and closely spaced, usually pale at first and darkening as spores mature. The stem is pale, sometimes with a color change toward the base, and may be covered in fine scales.

Ecology and habitat: Foliota species are saprotrophic, decomposing decaying wood, stumps, logs, and other woody debris. They commonly form clustered fruitings on or beside fallen logs, stumps, or at the base of trees in forests. They are frequently found in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, and occur in a variety of forest types, especially with coniferous wood.

Identification and notes: Because several Foliota species resemble mushrooms from other genera, field identification to species level can be challenging and often requires microscopic examination of spores and other structures. Spore color varies and is not always diagnostic. Edibility is not widely recommended; many species are considered inedible or of unknown safety, and misidentification with toxic look-alikes can occur.

Foliota is part of the diverse, wood-decaying fungal fauna of forests.