# gumtree deceiver

*Laccaria fraterna*

Known as a 'deceiver' because its color changes drastically from bright reddish-orange when wet to a dull, faded buff when dry.

- **Taxonomy:** Fungi › Basidiomycota › Agaricomycetes › Agaricales › Hydnangiaceae › Laccaria
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** forest
- **Habitat:** Eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and plantations, often in disturbed soils or leaf litter near host trees.
- **Diet:** Mycorrhizal (absorbs nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with host tree roots).
- **Range:** Australia, Europe, North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa
- **Size:** Cap diameter of 1 to 4 cm; stem length of 2 to 7 cm.
- **Lifespan:** The underground mycelium can live for decades, while the above-ground mushroom cap lasts only 1-2 weeks.
- **Active:** diurnal
- **Threats:** Habitat loss, deforestation of Eucalyptus hosts, and soil compaction.
- **Safe to approach?:** Harmless to touch and observe. However, wild mushrooms should never be consumed unless identified by an expert, as they can be easily confused with toxic species. If accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately.

## About

Laccaria fraterna is a species of Laccaria from Australia growing in Eucalyptus and Acacia introduced into the United States.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/5e5ecee3-b262-4198-8f3b-7961aeda1240
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/382843
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laccaria fraterna
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/143101722/medium.jpg (anonymous, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.