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PROFILES OF FUNGI: LACCARIA species There are six Laccaria species recorded in Britain, of which at least 3 - L. tortilis, L. proxima and L. amethystea - form mycorrhizal associations with tree roots. Laccaria amethystea (Fig. 1) is unmistakable because ot its purple colour, but the other common species, Laccaria laccata, is highly variable (hence its common name - The Deceiver). It is often pink or brick-red coloured. Both species are common in woodlands, and their mycorrhizas are particularly common on containerised seedlings in glasshouses and nurseries.
Fig 1. Laccaria amethystea [© Jim Deacon]
Fig 2. Laccaria laccata [© Jim Deacon] |
