pseudocyphella

Pseudocyphella is a genus of fungi in the family Tricholomataceae. These fungi are characterized by their small, often cup-shaped fruiting bodies, known as basidiocarps. The hymenium, which bears the spores, is typically smooth and white or pale in color. A distinguishing feature of Pseudocyphella, and indeed the reason for its name, is the presence of internal sterile structures that resemble the pores or gills found in some other fungi, but these are not true hymenial elements. The name "pseudocyphella" itself hints at this misleading internal structure.

Species within this genus are saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients from dead organic matter, often found on decaying wood or leaf litter. They are generally considered to be small and inconspicuous, making them challenging to identify in the field. Many species are widespread but can be overlooked due to their size and subtle morphological features. Microscopically, the spores are typically smooth and hyaline. The taxonomy of Pseudocyphella has undergone revisions with the advent of molecular phylogenetic studies, which have helped to clarify relationships with other fungal genera. Further research continues to refine our understanding of this group.