ID help for a newbie in Surrey please

[astclair]

Hi – thanks for a really interesting forum.

I am a complete beginner and have decided it is time to learn a little about the fungi I have so often walked past and admired. So any tips gratefully received.

There are currently three species erupting on the grass behind my house in Surrey, and I haven’t been able to identify any of them. Here is the first:



There are two clusters, each of around a dozen. They are firm and chunky, growing on short stems from the soil over the root system of a silver birch tree, but also in the lee of a beech hedge and close to an azalea. The largest caps are about 200mm across and ragged as if they have been partially eaten. The gills, if they are gills, are not distinct but look like a lacy network.

The closest match I have found is Lactarius musteus but that doesn’t look right and I’m nowhere near the Cairngorms. I’m sure this will be child’s play for you but it is a fascinating mystery to me.

Thanks!

BTW, please shout if my images are too large

[NickCantle]

Hello and welcome to WAB

You're correct indeed with genus, but I know nothing about the species you mentioned The only two species that I know of that this might be is L. pubescens or less unlikely due to lack of pinkish cap, L. torminosus.

I'm sure someone else will chip in ASAP!

Nick

[astclair]

Thanks Nick!

I have now read a little about lactarius - there seems to be quite a variety in its physical characteristics. Is there anything in particular about my photos that suggests lactarius, or is it just instinct from experience?

[NickCantle]

Well I suppose you could say it's experience. I just know it's Lactarius because it's exhibiting characteristics that 2 species in the genus show! It's quite odd how you just recognise a genus after a few years studying fungi! S'good though

[alge]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Well I suppose you could say it's experience. I just know it's Lactarius because it's exhibiting characteristics that 2 species in the genus show! It's quite odd how you just recognise a genus after a few years studying fungi! S'good though

Sorry to butt in, nick are you referring to the hairs showing on the cap suggesting possibly either L. pubescens or L. torminosus?

[NickCantle]

Yes, sorry Alex, didn't make that clear mate