About Lactarius aurantiacus (Pers.) Gray
Lactarius aurantiacus is a mycorrhizal mushroom whose color ranges from vibrant orange to light orangish brown. Its cap is convex with a slightly depressed centre, measuring 1 to 5 centimetres in diameter, and has a smooth, glossy texture. The full mushroom grows between 2.5cm and 6.5cm tall. Like all milkcap species, Lactarius aurantiacus produces milky latex when cut or bruised. Its gills are slightly spaced apart and coloured light pink or orange. Its stem is roughly 5 to 12 millimetres in diameter and lacks a ring. This macrofungus is most commonly found in Europe, but has also been recorded in parts of Asia and North America. It grows either alone or in small groups, in acidic forest soils near pine, spruce, and occasionally birch trees, forming mycorrhizal relationships with one or more of these surrounding tree species.
