Cap
|
4 to 10 cm in diameter, the dark reddish-brown
caps are dry and have a slightly rough surface. Convex at first, the caps
become funnel-shaped as the fruiting body matures. There is nearly always
a prominent central umbo once the cap has expanded and become funnel
shaped. |
Gills
|
The pale reddish-cream gills are weakly
decurrent and crowded. As they mature , the gills tend to become blotchy.
When the gills of this milk cap are damaged, a watery-white latex is
released; its taste is initially mild but later becomes very hot and
acrid.
|
Stipe
|
5 to 20 mm in diameter and 4 to 9 cm tall, the stems are smooth and the same
colour as the cap or a little paler. There is no stem ring. |
Spore print |
Pale cream or buff with a salmon pink tinge. |
Odour/taste |
No distinctive odour but a mild taste that
soon becomes very hot and acrid. |
Habitat |
Coniferous woodland, usually under pines;
occasionally under birch.. |
Season |
August to November. |
Occurrence |
Frequent; often in large groups. |
Similar species |
- Lactarius subdulcis is a smaller milk cap sometimes of
similar coloration; it occurs under beech trees.
|
