Cap
|
6 to 12 cm in diameter, convex and then
depressed, the cap is yellowish orange zoned with darker areas and nearly
always with green patches.
Mature specimens sometimes irregular, develop wavy margins.
|
Gills
|
Shortly decurrent, crowded, bright orange,
staining green when bruised, the gills release orange latex that
turns wine red and eventually dark green. |
Stipe
|
5 to 10 cm long and 8 to 12 mm in diameter, the stem surface is smooth and,
unlike Lactarius deliciosus, not pitted. There is usually a somewhat
paler band near to the top of the stem. |
Spore print |
Pale pinkish buff. |
Odour/taste |
Fruity smell; the milk (latex) is bitter and
acrid. |
Habitat |
Fir woodland, particularly spruce plantations. |
Season |
August to October. |
Occurrence |
Frequent; often in very large groups. |
Similar species |
- Lactarius torminosus is more pink, has a woolly cap margin
and is always close to birch trees.
- Lactarius deliciosus has a pitted stem and green areas on the
cap only in older specimens.
|