Lamella (mycology)

: lamellae), or gill, is a papery hymenophore rib under the cap of some mushroom species, most often agarics.

The gills are used by the mushrooms as a means of spore dispersal, and are important for species identification.

For instance, Lactarius species typically seep latex from their gills.

The apparent reason that various basidiomycetes have evolved gills is that it is the most effective means of increasing the ratio of surface area to mass, which increases the potential for spore production and dispersal.

Other groups of fungi to bear gills include: Members of the two related genera of chanterelles, Cantharellus and Craterellus, have rudimentary lamellar structures which are sometimes referred to as "false gills".