Cantharellales

The order Cantharellales is a group of fungi that includes the chanterelles, the tooth fungi, and some club fungi. Their hymenium consists of thick gill-like folds, spines, or in some cases an almost smooth surface. It was once thought to be a 'transition group' to the true gill-fungi (Agaricales) because of its rudimentary gill-like folds, but molecular phylogenetic studies have clearly established that this group represents its own evolutionary line.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

How to ensure accurate weighing results every day?

Weighing the right way

Important Genera

The examples are of Northern European fungi.

Cantharellus

The hymenium of these fungi is covered by forking gill-like ridges ('false gills') and unlike Craterellus the stem is solid. They have smooth spores.

The chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) is a popular edible mushroom in Europe, often being sold in markets. It is apricot-coloured and also smells of apricots.

Craterellus

In this genus, the hymenium is more or less smooth and the stipe is hollow. The best-known European species is the Horn of Plenty (or "Trumpet of the Dead"), Craterellus cornucopioides. Craterellus tubaeformis (= C. infundibuliformis) is also sold commercially.

Hydnum

Viewed from above these fungi look like agarics (ordinary gilled mushrooms) but underneath they have spines instead of gills. Species: the Hedgehog fungus Hydnum repandum is quite common, H. rufescens is similar but redder.

References

• Régis Courtecuisse, Bernard Duhem: Guide des champignons de France et d'Europe (Delachaux & Niestlé, 1994).