Look at the vegetation around where fruit-bodies occur, whether native or exotic, and if in a lawn. If fruit-bodies are under trees, look carefully to see if the same fungi are also growing away from the trees, such as in lawns or bare ground or mulched areas with no vegetation.

When using this feature check that the vegetation is uniform with respect to exotic or native plants. In a pine plantation, a single remnant Eucalyptus can harbour native fungi (both mycorrhizal fungi and saprotrophic fungi on fallen wood and leaves). Be careful in choosing a state for this feature where fruit-bodies are growing in disturbed areas in native vegetation such as along the side of roads or in and around picnic areas, where exotic trees may be present. Do not use this feature if vegetation is a mixture of native and exotic plants, or if fruit-bodies are growing on bare or disturbed ground away from trees.

Choose this state if: fruit-bodies are growing in association with exotic trees or shrubs, such as Birch (Betula), Beech (Fagus), Oak (Quercus) or Pine (Pinus). Exotic trees may be in parks or gardens, or as plantations. Fruit-bodies are found only beneath the canopy of the exotic trees, or very close by.