The epithet proxima has usually been applied to a species closely resembling Laccaria laccata but of larger stature, with mainly elliptical spores less than 10 µm in longest dimension, and with spines to 1 µm long. However, Singer (1967) published a different interpretation of L. proxima based on a collection from the French Jura. He regards it as a species with rather coarsely echinulate, elliptical spores (10)-l 1-12.8 X 7.5-9.5 µm including spines, spines (1.2)-1.5-(2) µm long, and possessing numerous filamentous or subclavate paraphyses. Singer's interpretation of L. proxima agrees closely with the protologue in macroscopic characters, but it should be noted that Boudier described the spores of his fungus as finely and shortly echinulate. The fungus with smaller, finely echinulate spores, usually described under L. proxima, was regarded by Singer (1967) as possibly a large form of L. laccata var. laccata. New Zealand collections agree closely with Singer's interpretation of L. proxima, except that the spore ornamentation is slightly shorter.

L. proxima is an introduced species and has been found only in association with exotic conifers. It is characterised by the large stature, reddish brown pileus and stipe, and broadly elliptical spores. The species has not previously been recorded from New Zealand.

(1)     coll. J. E. C. Aberdeen, Queensland, 4.8.1952; spores globose, 8-9 µm diam., spines in, close-set.

(2)     coll. R. W. G. Dennis, Portugal, 16.10.1955; spores ovoid 8-9 x 10-11 µm, spines 0.5 µm.

(3)     Herbarium Berkeley, coll. in Tasmania; spores ovoid 8-9 x 10-11 µm, spines 0.5 µm.

Lange (1935) describes the spores of C. (Laccaria) laccata var. proxima, as ovate-globose, minutely echinulate, 7.5-9 x 6.75-7.5 µm, with spines 1 µm long, but mentions also collections with large globose, spores and comments, probably the form of the spore is not constant; Rea (1922) states that both elliptical and globose spores have been found on the same plant, but this does not seem to have been confirmed and is contrary to the writer's observations.

New Zealand collections which have been examined usually have globose spores, 9-10 µm diam., with well-developed spines, but ovoid spores have also been seen. More information about the distribution of spore forms in relation to macroscopic characters would be interesting.