Bitter olieskind
Gloiothele lactescens
Bitter olieskind (Gloiothele lactescens) is a distinctive fungal species characterized by its bitter taste and milky latex that exudes when the fruiting body is damaged or cut. This saprophytic fungus plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and forming mycorrhizal associations with tree roots, facilitating nutrient exchange.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Christian Apschner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Christian Apschner
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Russulales
Family
Peniophoraceae
Genus
Gloiothele
Bitter olieskind belongs to the family Peniophoraceae, order Russulales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
Bitter olieskind (Gloiothele lactescens) is a distinctive fungal species characterized by its bitter taste and milky latex that exudes when the fruiting body is damaged or cut. This saprophytic fungus plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and forming mycorrhizal associations with tree roots, facilitating nutrient exchange.
Bitter olieskind faces significant threats from habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized forest environments. Climate change and human encroachment into its native range are reducing suitable habitat availability and quality, while its limited dispersal ability makes population recovery difficult.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This fungal species inhabits temperate and boreal forest ecosystems, typically growing on decaying wood substrates in moist, shaded woodland environments. It shows preference for mature forest stands with stable microclimatic conditions and abundant woody debris.
Threats
Climate change impacts on forest ecosystems
Habitat fragmentation and degradation
Human encroachment and land use changes
Limited dispersal ability affecting population connectivity
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Bitter olieskind (Gloiothele lactescens). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bitter-olieskind