Truffle Genus: Gastrolactarius

Spore Characters

Generally similar to Arcangeliella, but often longitudinally asymmetric with an offset attachment.

View photos of Gastrolactarius spores

Sporocarp Characters

Similar to Arcangeliella, but with a stem and prominent columella, appearing as an unopened mushroom.Gastrolactarius is intermediate between the stemless, sequestrate Arcangeliella and the mushroom genus Lactarius. All are characterized by exuding a latex from the cut tissue of moist, fresh specimens.  

View photos of Gastrolactarius sporocarps

Name Derivation

Named distinguished Spanish mycologist Jose Vidal (2004), from Greek, gaster- (literally "stomach" but in mycology referring generally to Gasteromycetes, i.e. puffballs) and -lactarius (referring to the genus Lactarius), hence "a puffball-like Lactarius." Vidal validates the name Gastrolactarius previously published by R. Heim.

Distribution

Hypogeous to epigeous under ectomycorrhizal conifers or Myrtaceae in Oregon, California, Africa and Australia.
Season: Summer and autumn.
Species known from North Temperate Forests: Seven.

Keys and Descriptions

No keys exist. Vidal (2004) lists the species currently known.