Laccaria

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Laccaria (family Tricholomataceae) A genus of fungi in which the fruit bodies are mushroom-like and very variable in colour. L. laccata (the deceiver) is tawny to brick red; L. amethystea (the amethyst deceiver) is deep purple-lilac, becoming paler on drying. The spore print is white; spores typically appear spiny under the microscope. There are many species, found on the ground in woods, heaths, etc.