Laccaria lateritia

An introduced, non-native species originating from Australasia that has established itself throughout the Iberian Peninsula via plantations of Eucalyptus spp.

The pileus can reach 4 cm in diameter, displaying a striking reddish-brown colour, particularly in wet conditions.

A very common and characteristic associate of Eucalyptus plantations, although it can occasionally occur under other trees such as Acacia or Quercus. It can be found virtually throughout the entire year whenever weather conditions are favourable.

Its macroscopic features, together with its strict habitat preferences and the presence of 2-spored basidia, make it an easily recognizable species.

The specimens studied microscopically were collected in November, growing under Eucalyptus globulus in Berango (Bizkaia).

Additional photographs from earlier finds in Derio and Erandio (Bizkaia), in the same habitat in January, are also included.