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Hypholoma lateritium

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description Hypholoma lateritium Overview

Hypholoma lateritium, known as the brick cap or brick tuft, is a saprotrophic gilled fungus that grows in clusters on hardwood stumps and buried wood. The cap is brick red in the centre and paler toward the margin, while the crowded gills begin yellowish and become gray to purple-brown as the spores mature. Some guides report it as edible when thoroughly cooked, but it can be confused with poisonous Hypholoma species, so culinary use depends on reliable identification. [Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/data/uk-species/taxon?tvk=NBNSYS0000165447)

help Hypholoma lateritium FAQ

Where does Hypholoma lateritium grow?

Hypholoma lateritium grows in clusters on hardwood stumps and buried wood. It is saprotrophic, so it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead woody material.

Why is Hypholoma lateritium called the brick cap?

The cap is typically brick red in the center and paler toward the margin. That two-tone reddish appearance led to the common name brick cap.

How do the gills of Hypholoma lateritium change?

The crowded gills begin yellowish and become gray to purple as the spores mature. This color change reflects the mushroom's development from young to mature fruit body.

Does Hypholoma lateritium grow alone or in clusters?

It commonly forms clusters on stumps, buried wood, and other hardwood remains. The clustered growth is one of its useful field characteristics.

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