Lactifluus clarkeae

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Lactifluus clarkeae
Lactarius clarkeae 15003.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Russulales
Family: Russulaceae
Genus: Lactifluus
Species:
L. clarkeae
Binomial name
Lactifluus clarkeae
(Cleland) Verbeken (2012)
Synonyms [1]
  • Lactarius clarkeaeCleland 1927
  • Lactarius clarkeiCleland 1927
Lactifluus clarkeae
Information icon.svg
Gills icon.png Gills on hymenium
Convex cap icon.svgInfundibuliform cap icon.svg Cap is convex or infundibuliform
Adnate gills icon2.svgDecurrent gills icon2.svg Hymenium is adnate or decurrent
Bare stipe icon.svg Stipe is bare
Transparent spore print icon.svg
 Spore print is white
Mycorrhizal fungus.svgEcology is mycorrhizal
Mycomorphbox Question.pngEdibility is unknown

Lactifluus clarkeae, formerly known as Lactarius clarkeae, is a species of mushroom-forming fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is found in Australia and New Zealand in mycorrhizal association with species of Nothofagus and the family Myrtaceae. [2]

Contents

Taxonomy and naming

Lactifluus clarkeae was first described as a species of Lactarius in 1927 by Australian naturalist John Burton Cleland from a specimen found at Mount Lofty, South Australia. [3] Cleland noted the mushroom was similar in general appearance to Russula flocktoniae, now Lactifluus flocktoniae . It was named in honour of botanical artist Phyllis Flockton Clarke, notable for her watercolour paintings of the fungi of New South Wales and niece of Margaret Flockton. [3] [4] Lactifluus flocktoniae is generally understood to have a brighter orange to red cap and paler gills compared to Lactifluus clarkeae, which has variable morphology. [5]

Both species were transferred to the genus Lactifluus in 2012 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences and a review of ecological and morphological characteristics. [6] [7] No synapomorphic features have been identified that unambiguously distinguish Lactifluus and Lactarius, but habitat and mycorrhizal association are important in identification of species. Microscopically, sphaerocysts in lamellae trama and thick-walled elements in the pileipellis and stipitipellis (stipe cuticle) are common in Lactifluus but rare in Lactarius. [8]

In 2017, Lactifluus clarkeae was classified in Lactifluus subgenus Gymnocarpi section Tomentosi. [9]

Species complex

The species boundaries of Lactifluus clarkeae are poorly understood. Several names, including Russula flocktoniae and Lactarius subclarkeae, have been used interchangeably with Lactarius clarkeae and more recently Lactifluus clarkeae to describe mushrooms of similar appearance found in Australia and New Zealand. Herbarium collections under many of these names indicate variable morphology and host tree association. Phylogenetic analyses have shown that sequences of some of these specimens fall into different clades and potentially represent at least seven genetically and morphologically distinct species. [10] [11]

Description

Macromorphology

Like other members of Russulaceae, fruit-bodies of Lactifluus clarkeae have brittle flesh and, like other species of Lactarius and Lactifluus, produce latex when bruised. The production of latex can be an ephemeral feature, particularly in dry conditions. The species concept is broad, the morphology is variable and loosely defined.

It is a robust mushroom with a pale buff to bright-orange pileus , 50–120 mm in diameter, can be convex at first and often centrally depressed, becoming infundibuliform or funnel-shaped with age. The cap surface is dry, smooth to velutinous or tomentose, with an inrolled margin. The outline of the cap sometimes irregular, giving a warped appearance. The pileus context or flesh is white or cream through to orange in fresh specimens and can stain brown on exposure to air, up to 30 mm deep. The lamellae are adnate to decurrent, close to sub-distant, thick, up to 8 mm deep, typically lighter-coloured buff than the cap and stem, and bruise brownish. The stipe is up to 41 mm tall and 30 mm in diameter, terete, almost equal but often tapering slightly towards the base, concolorous with the cap or not, finely velutinous to tomentose. Context of the stem is solid and occasionally with chambers, similar colour to the cap context. Latex is white, cream, or watery but often variable. Odour can be mild or acrid or fishy in fresh specimens and acrid or fishy on drying. Taste can be mild, hot, acrid or astringent. [12]

Micromorphology

Basidiospores 8 μm and slightly angular according to Cleland's original description. [3] Spore print white.

Similar species

The boundaries between Lactifluus clarkeae and Lactifluus flocktoniae are poorly defined and the morphological variability alone indicates the presence of several similar unique species that are yet to be described. Macromorphologically close mushroom species from similar habitats include Lactifluus wirrabara , which can also be found in Eucalypt forests or woodlands but usually has a chocolate brown pileus and stipe. There are several similar species found in other parts of the world, as Lactifluus has its main distribution in the tropics of the Southern Hemisphere. Of particular similarity are species in the subgenus Gymnocarpi section Tomentosi. McNabb noted the similarity of Lactifluus clarkeae to L. rubroviolascens from Madagascar and erected the new section Tomentosi for these two species. [13]

Lactifluus clarkeae from Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria Lactifluus clarkeae from Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria.jpg
Lactifluus clarkeae from Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria

Ecology, distribution, and habitat

Lactifluus clarkeae occurs in Australia and New Zealand and is commonly observed in forests and woodlands with shrubs and trees including Eucalyptus and Leptospermum of Myrtaceae and also with Nothofagus . [13]

In New Zealand, L. clarkeae var. clarkeae is used to describe mushrooms of this appearance found under Leptospermum , whereas L. aurantioruber (formerly L. clarkeae var. aurantioruber) [14] is used for mushrooms found associated with Nothofagus (southern beech). [13]

Edibility

Like many Australian mushrooms, the edibility and palatability of this mushroom is fairly unknown. However, Lactifluus volemus is a Northern Hemisphere species with some documented culinary usage. [15]

A. M. Young's A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia mentions Lactifluus clarkeae as a food for the land mullet, [16] an Australian skink known to eat fungi. [17]

Fruit-bodies seen in Greens Bush show evidence of fungivory by local fauna, including slugs and probably swamp wallaby or eastern grey kangaroo.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russulaceae</span> Family of fungi in the order Russulales

The Russulaceae are a diverse family of fungi in the order Russulales, with roughly 1,900 known species and a worldwide distribution. They comprise the brittlegills and the milk-caps, well-known mushroom-forming fungi that include some edible species. These gilled mushrooms are characterised by the brittle flesh of their fruitbodies.

<i>Lactarius</i> Genus of fungi

Lactarius is a genus of mushroom-producing, ectomycorrhizal fungi, containing several edible species. The species of the genus, commonly known as milk-caps, are characterized by the milky fluid ("latex") they exude when cut or damaged. Like the closely related genus Russula, their flesh has a distinctive brittle consistency. It is a large genus with over 500 known species, mainly distributed in the Northern hemisphere. Recently, the genus Lactifluus has been separated from Lactarius based on molecular phylogenetic evidence.

<i>Lactarius deliciosus</i> Species of fungus

Lactarius deliciosus, commonly known as the delicious milk cap, saffron milk cap and red pine mushroom, is one of the best known members of the large milk-cap genus Lactarius in the order Russulales. It is native to Europe, but has been accidentally introduced to other countries along with pine trees, with which the fungus is symbiotic.

<i>Lactifluus vellereus</i> Species of fungus

Lactifluus vellereus, commonly known as the fleecy milk-cap, is a quite large fungus in the genus Lactifluus. It is one of the two most common milk-caps found with beech trees, with the other being Lactarius subdulcis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milk-cap</span> Index of fungi with the same common name

Milk-cap is a common name that refers to mushroom-forming fungi of the genera Lactarius, Lactifluus, and Multifurca, all in the family Russulaceae. The common and eponymous feature of their fruitbodies is the latex ("milk") they exude when cut or bruised. Mushrooms with typical milk-cap characteristics are said to have a lactarioid habit. Some of them are edible.

<i>Lactifluus piperatus</i> Species of fungus

Lactifluus piperatus, commonly known as the blancaccio, is a semi-edible basidiomycete fungus of the genus Lactifluus. Despite being edible, it is not recommended by some because of its poor taste, though can be used as seasoning when dried. The fruiting body is a creamy-white mushroom which is funnel-shaped when mature, with exceptionally crowded gills. It bleeds a whitish peppery-tasting milk when cut. Widely distributed across Europe and eastern North America, Lactifluus piperatus has been accidentally introduced to Australia. Mycorrhizal, it forms a symbiotic relationship with various species of deciduous tree, including beech, and hazel, and fruiting bodies are found on the forest floor in deciduous woodland.

<i>Lactifluus volemus</i> Species of edible fungus in the family Russulaceae widely distributed in the northern hemisphere

Lactifluus volemus, formerly known as Lactarius volemus, and commonly known as the weeping milk cap or bradley, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, in temperate regions of Europe, North America and Asia as well as some subtropical and tropical regions of Central America and Asia. A mycorrhizal fungus, its fruit bodies grow on the ground at the base of various species of trees from summer to autumn, either individually or in groups. It is valued as an edible mushroom, and is sold in markets in Asia. Several other Lactifluus mushrooms resemble L. volemus, such as the closely related edible species L. corrugis, but these can be distinguished by differences in distribution, visible morphology, and microscopic characteristics. L. volemus produces a white spore print and has roughly spherical spores about 7–8 micrometres in diameter.

<i>Lactarius sanguifluus</i> Species of fungus

Lactarius sanguifluus, commonly known as the bloody milk cap, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. First described from France in 1811, the species was given its current name by Elias Fries in 1838 when he transferred it to Lactarius. Found in Asia, Mediterranean Africa, and Europe, fruit bodies (mushrooms) grow scattered or in groups on the ground under conifers, especially Douglas fir. When bruised or cut, the fruit bodies ooze a blood-red to purple latex that slowly turns greenish upon exposure to air. The caps are orangish to reddish-brown, and become funnel-shaped with age. The gills are pinkish to purplish. Different forms have been described from Italy, but these are not universally accepted as distinct. L. sanguifluus mushrooms are edible, and sold in rural markets of Europe and Asia. Fruit bodies grown in polluted soil, including roadsides subject to heavy traffic, can bioaccumulate toxic heavy metals. Several sterols and pigment have been isolated and identified from the mushrooms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lactifluus deceptivus</span> Species of fungus

Lactifluus deceptivus, commonly known as the deceiving milkcap, is a common species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is found throughout eastern North America on the ground in coniferous forests near hemlock or deciduous forests near oak, and in oak-dominated forests of Costa Rica. It produces large mushrooms with funnel-shaped caps reaching up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter, on top of hard white stems that may reach 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) long and up to 3 cm (1.2 in) thick. The gills are closely spaced together and yellowish-cream in color. When young, the cap is white in all parts, but the depressed center becomes dull brownish in age and breaks up into scales. The edge of the cap has a roll of cottony tissue that collapses as the cap expands. The surface of the stem—especially near the base—has a velvety texture. The mushroom "bleeds" a milky white acrid latex when it is cut or injured. Similar milk-cap species with which L. deceptivus might be confused include Lactifluus piperatus, L. pseudodeceptivus, L. caeruleitinctus, L. subvellereus, Lactarius arcuatus and Lactarius parvulus.

<i>Lactarius fuliginosus</i> Species of fungus

Lactarius fuliginosus, commonly known as the sooty milkcap, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. The medium-sized fruit bodies have velvety, grayish-brown caps and crowded gills. It is found in deciduous forests of Asia, Europe, and North America.

<i>Lactifluus</i> Genus of fungi

Lactifluus is one of three genera of mushroom-forming fungi containing species commonly named "milk-caps", the others being Lactarius and Multifurca. It has been separated from Lactarius based on molecular phylogenetic evidence but is very similar to that genus. There are roughly 150 known Lactifluus species, which have a mainly tropical distribution but are also found in the north temperate zone and Australasia. Some of them are edible mushrooms.

<i>Lactarius salmonicolor</i> Species of fungus

Lactarius salmonicolor is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is an edible mushroom native to most of Europe. The species derives its name from the term "salmonicolor," meaning salmon colored in Latin. It is majorly exploited in Europe for its culinary uses. L. salmonicolor is not to be confused with Lactarius salmoneus, a North American species.

Lactifluus jetiae is a species of mushroom-forming fungus in the family Russulaceae. It was described by Luke Vaughan, Lachlan Tegart, James K. Douch, and Teresa Lebel in 2021. The specific epithet is a Latinisation of the initials JET, in honour of Jennifer E. Tonkin, who had collected and preliminarily analysed many Australian members of the Russulaceae. The type locality is near the Cann River, Australia.

Lactifluus pagodicystidiatus is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It was described by Luke Vaughan, Lachlan Tegart, and James K. Douch in 2021. The specific epithet refers to the presence of some cystidia with shapes resembling a pagoda. The type locality is near the summit of Mount Jersey, Australia.

Lactifluus rugulostipitatus is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It was described by James K. Douch, Lachlan Tegart, Luke Vaughan, and Teresa Lebel in 2021. The specific epithet refers to the longitudinally wrinkled stipe that is characteristic of this species. The type locality is near Mount Bundey, Australia.

Lactifluus albens is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It was described by Teresa Lebel, James K. Douch, and Luke Vaughan in 2021. The specific epithet is Latin (bleached), named for the pale cream to buff colouration of basidiomata. The type locality is Dwellingup, Australia.

Lactifluus aurantioruber is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It originally described by McNabb as Lactifluus clarkeae var. aurantioruber in 1971, named for its reddish-orange colour. Jerry A. Cooper raised this variety to species-rank in 2021, thus acquiring the name Lactifluus aurantioruber. The type locality is Tongariro National Park, New Zealand.

Lactifluus psammophilus is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It was described by Teresa Lebel, James K. Douch, and Luke Vaughan in 2021. The specific epithet is Latin (sand-loving), referring to this species' habitat. The type locality is Bunyip State Park, Australia.

Lactifluus pseudoflocktoniae is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It was described by Teresa Lebel, James K. Douch, Lachlan Tegart, and Luke Vaughan in 2021. The specific epithet refers to Lactifluus flocktoniae, to which this species has a strong resemblance. The type locality is near Cann River, Australia.

References

  1. ↑ "MycoBank: Lactifluus clarkeae" . Retrieved 2014-12-24.
  2. ↑ Sytsma, Kenneth J.; Litt, Amy; Zjhra, Michelle L.; Chris Pires, J.; Nepokroeff, Molly; Conti, Elena; Walker, Jay; Wilson, Peter G. (2004). "Clades, Clocks, and Continents: Historical and Biogeographical Analysis of Myrtaceae, Vochysiaceae, and Relatives in the Southern Hemisphere". International Journal of Plant Sciences. 165: S85–S105. doi:10.1086/421066. S2CID   62825431 . Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  3. 1 2 3 Cleland JB. (1927). "Australian fungi: notes and descriptions. - No. 6". Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia. 51: 298–306.
  4. ↑ "Clarke, Phyllis Flockton, 1891-1989". Archive - State Library of New South Wales. State Library of NSW.
  5. ↑ Bougher NL, Syme K (1998). Fungi of Southern Australia. Nedlands: University of Western Australia Press. p. 391.
  6. ↑ Verbeken A, Van de Putte K, De Crop E (2012). "New combinations in Lactifluus. 3. L. subgenera Lactifluus and Piperati". Mycotaxon. 120: 443–450. doi:10.5248/120.443. hdl: 1854/LU-3150382 .
  7. ↑ Verbeken A, Nuytinck J (2013). "Not every milkcap is a Lactarius" (PDF). Scripta Botanica Belgica. 51: 162–168.
  8. ↑ Verbeken A, Nuytinck J (2013). "Not every milkcap is a Lactarius" (PDF). Scripta Botanica Belgica. 51: 162–168.
  9. ↑ De Crop, E.; Nuytinck, J.; Van de Putte, K.; Wisitrassameewong, K.; Hackel, J.; Stubbe, D.; Hyde, K.D.; Roy, M.; Halling, R.E.; Moreau, P.-A.; Eberhardt, U.; Verbeken, A. (June 2017). "A multi-gene phylogeny of Lactifluus (Basidiomycota, Russulales) translated into a new infrageneric classification of the genus". Persoonia. 38: 58–80. doi:10.3767/003158517X693255. PMC   5645188 . PMID   29151627.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ↑ Stubbe, Dirk; Nuytinck, Jorinde; Verbeken, Annemieke (2010). "Critical assessment of the Lactarius gerardii species complex 1466 (Russulales)". Fungal Biology. 114 (2–3): 271–283. doi:10.1016/j.funbio.2010.01.008. hdl: 1854/LU-865574 . PMID   20943137. S2CID   45558231.
  11. ↑ Verbeken, Annemieke; Nuytinck, Jorinde; Stubbe, Dirk (2010). "Type studies of six Australian and one New Zealand Lactarius 1495 species (Basidiomycota, Russulaceae)" (PDF). Crypogamie Mycologie. 31 (3): 235–249.
  12. ↑ Retamales, Hernan A.; Scharaschkin, Tanya (2015-11-01). "Comparative leaf anatomy and micromorphology of the Chilean Myrtaceae: Taxonomic and ecological implications". Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants. 217: 138–154. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2015.10.005. ISSN   0367-2530.
  13. 1 2 3 McNabb RFR. (1971). "The Russulaceae of New Zealand 1. Lactarius DC ex S. F. Gray". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 9 (1): 46–66. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1971.10430170. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  14. ↑ Lebel, T.; Douch, J.; Tegart, L.; Vaughan, L.; Cooper, J. A.; Nuytinck, J. (2020). "Untangling the Lactifluus clarkeae - Lf. flocktoniae (Russulaceae) species complex in Australasia". Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi. 47: 1–44. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.01 . PMC   10486632 . PMID   37693797. S2CID   238939126.
  15. ↑ Bessette, Alan E.; Bessette, Arleen R.; Harris, David B. (2009). Milk Mushrooms of North America: A Field Identification Guide to the Genus Lactarius. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press. p. 5. ISBN   978-0-8156-3229-0.
  16. ↑ Young AM (2004). A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN   0-86840-742-9.
  17. ↑ Schulz M, Eyre R (1997). "Observations of some reptiles from Minnie Water, north-eastern New South Wales". Herpetofauna. 120: 41–42.

Lactifluus clarkeae in Index Fungorum Lactifluus clarkeae in MycoBank .

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