Hydnangium carneum

A small hypogeous fungus of Australian origin, introduced into the Iberian Peninsula alongside Eucalyptus plantations. The basidioma exhibits a pinkish coloration and typically does not exceed 3 cm in diameter.

Phylogenetically allied to the genus Laccaria, it appears to share a close relationship with Laccaria fraterna, another eucalyptus specialist that frequently fruits in close proximity to Hydnangium carneum.

The combination of macro- and microscopic characters, together with its strict habitat association, allows reliable identification de visu.

Specimens studied here were gathered beneath the humus of a small stand of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Erandio (Bizkaia) in December. Additional photographs show a separate collection from the Barakaldo botanical garden, also under E. camaldulensis, in February.