Laccaria
Encyclopedia
Laccaria is a genus
around 75 species of fungus
found in both temperate
and tropical regions of the world. They are mycorrhizal. The type species
is (Laccaria laccata
), commonly known as the deceiver. Other notable species include L. bicolor
, and the amethyst deceiver (L. amethystina
), sometimes incorrectly written as L. amethystea. Because some Laccaria species have the ability to grow vegetatively and/or germinate from basidiospores in culture, they are often used as experimental systems for studies of ectomycorrhizal
basidiomycetes. Recently, the genome of L. bicolor has been sequenced.
s are white and ornamented in most species.
. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
around 75 species of fungus
Fungus
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
found in both temperate
Temperate
In geography, temperate or tepid latitudes of the globe lie between the tropics and the polar circles. The changes in these regions between summer and winter are generally relatively moderate, rather than extreme hot or cold...
and tropical regions of the world. They are mycorrhizal. The type species
Type species
In biological nomenclature, a type species is both a concept and a practical system which is used in the classification and nomenclature of animals and plants. The value of a "type species" lies in the fact that it makes clear what is meant by a particular genus name. A type species is the species...
is (Laccaria laccata
Laccaria laccata
Laccaria laccata, commonly known as the deceiver, or waxy laccaria, is a white-spored species of small edible mushroom found throughout North America and Europe. It is a highly variable mushroom , and can look quite washed out, colorless and drab, but when younger it often assumes red, pinkish...
), commonly known as the deceiver. Other notable species include L. bicolor
Laccaria bicolor
Laccaria bicolor is a small tan colored mushroom with lilac gills. Like others in its genus it has the common name of 'Deceiver', because of its propensity to fade and become hard to identify. It is edible, but not worthwhile, and grows in mixed birch and pine woods. It is found in the temperate...
, and the amethyst deceiver (L. amethystina
Laccaria amethystina
Laccaria amethystina, commonly known as the Amethyst Deceiver is a small brightly colored, edible mushroom, that grows in deciduous as well as coniferous forests. Because its bright amethyst coloration fades with age and weathering, it becomes difficult to identify, hence the common name ‘Deceiver’...
), sometimes incorrectly written as L. amethystea. Because some Laccaria species have the ability to grow vegetatively and/or germinate from basidiospores in culture, they are often used as experimental systems for studies of ectomycorrhizal
Mycorrhiza
A mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant....
basidiomycetes. Recently, the genome of L. bicolor has been sequenced.
Description
Laccaria typically have thick, widely spaced, purple to flesh-colored gills that are adnate to slightly decurrent in attachment. The sporeSpore
In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoa. According to scientist Dr...
s are white and ornamented in most species.
Species list
The following is an incomplete list of Laccaria species reported in the literature:- Laccaria amethysteo-occidentalis
- Laccaria amethystinaLaccaria amethystinaLaccaria amethystina, commonly known as the Amethyst Deceiver is a small brightly colored, edible mushroom, that grows in deciduous as well as coniferous forests. Because its bright amethyst coloration fades with age and weathering, it becomes difficult to identify, hence the common name ‘Deceiver’...
- Laccaria alba
- Laccaria angustilamella
- Laccaria bicolorLaccaria bicolorLaccaria bicolor is a small tan colored mushroom with lilac gills. Like others in its genus it has the common name of 'Deceiver', because of its propensity to fade and become hard to identify. It is edible, but not worthwhile, and grows in mixed birch and pine woods. It is found in the temperate...
- Laccaria fraterna
- Laccaria gomezii
- Laccaria laccataLaccaria laccataLaccaria laccata, commonly known as the deceiver, or waxy laccaria, is a white-spored species of small edible mushroom found throughout North America and Europe. It is a highly variable mushroom , and can look quite washed out, colorless and drab, but when younger it often assumes red, pinkish...
- Laccaria longipes
- Laccaria maritima
- Laccaria montana
- Laccaria nobilis
- Laccaria proxima
- Laccaria pseudomontana
- Laccaria pumila
- Laccaria purpureobadia
- Laccaria tetraspora
- Laccaria tortilis
- Laccaria vinaceobrunnea
External links
(Archived at: CYBERLIBER: an Electronic Library for Mycology.) (Archived at: Archive.org.) Field Museum of Natural HistoryField Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It sits on Lake Shore Drive next to Lake Michigan, part of a scenic complex known as the Museum Campus Chicago...
. Retrieved 2010-12-12.