The genus Lactarius belongs to the Russulaceae family, which is characterised by its members having a brittle texture. Lactarius species are distinguished from Russulas by the oozing of a white latex or "milk" from their flesh when cut or damaged. The native species are associated with beech or tea tree, whilst the exotic species are found with silver birch and pines.

Lactarius glyciosmus (Fr.) Fr

This Lactarius has the smell of coconut. It is pale mauve-grey in colour, sometimes with brownish tints. Cap diam: up to 80 mm.

It is an introduced species found under silver birch.

Lactarius hauroko J.A. Cooper & P. Leonard

This is a small species, with a cap diam. up to 35 mm. It ranges in colour from dirty salmon to pale orange-brown.

Found under beech.

Lactarius tawai McNabb

A distinguishing feature of this species is that has concentric rings on its orange-brown cap. The gills are pallid ochraceous with pink tints. Cap diam: 40–75 mm.

Found under beech.

Lactarius umerensis McNabb

This is a small species, with a cap diam. up to 35 mm. It ranges in colour from dirty salmon to pale orange-brown.

Found under beech.

Lactarius turpis (Weinm.) Fr.

Also known as the "Ugly Milkcap".

This species is dark olive brown to blackish brown species can grow up to 200 mm in diameter. it has a stout stipe. It is an introduced species associated with silver birch.

Lactarius - undescribed sp.

This is a small dark brown species, with a cap diam. up to 35 mm.

Found under tea tree.

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