Lactifluus oedematopus

Species segregated from Lactarius into Lactifluus, a genus previously considered a section within that broad group.

Molecular phylogenetic studies have resolved up to three distinct species within what was formerly treated as Lactarius volemus s.l. Lactifluus oedematopus is one of them, separable microscopically by its pileipellis hairs, which on average do not exceed 60 µm in length, unlike L. volemus and L. subvolemus, which have hairs 85 to 125 µm long.

It is a robust fungus whose pileus can reach up to 15 cm across. Common in summer and early autumn, typically in forests of Fagus and Quercus on acidic soils.

The studied specimens correspond to a collection made in late June under Quercus pyrenaica in Barrundia (Álava).

An additional photograph taken in September in Zeanuri (Bizkaia) under Fagus sylvatica is also included.