Species details
Coconut milkcap
Lactarius glyciosmus
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: Strobilomyces · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A small grey-cinnamon milkcap with birch, characterised by a sweet coconut-like or cinnamon-like smell.
Identification features
The cap is 2–6 cm wide, grey to cinnamon, dry and felted. Gills are pale and later pinkish. The stem is slender, latex white, and the smell distinctly coconut-like.
Identification checklist
Check birch habitat, the small grey-cinnamon dry cap, white latex, and strong coconut smell. Odour should not be the only identification feature.
How to separate similar species
Lactarius camphoratus is usually more reddish-brown and smells more of camphor/coumarin. Compare latex and tree association too.
Habitat
Mycorrhizal with birch, often on moister soils, from summer to autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October