Russula fragilis, the Fragile Russula, is a
small and extremely crumbly species. Although most have purple caps, the
variety Russula fragilis var. nivea are all white. This species
is inedible.
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This is a very variable fungus. The cap colour
can be pink, violet, purple of white. The coloured specimens have cap
centres darker than the edge.
The grooved margin is another useful identifying feature.
Finding an undamaged specimen is
not easy, even though this is quite a commonly occurring little russula. |
Cap |
2 to 6 cm diameter; often noticeably grooved
at the margin; convex, then expanding and becoming depressed. Very brittle.
Most are
violaceous or purple, darker in the centre; sometimes taking on a green
tinge when old.
A pure white variety, var. nivea is also fairly common. |
Gills |
Adnate; white or pale cream, with toothed
edges (this feature only visible with a magnifying glass). Flesh white. |
Stipe |
2 to 6 cm long x 0.5 to 1 cm diameter. White, sometimes tinged yellow near
the base; slightly swollen base; very brittle, with white flesh.
The stem crumbles very easily. |
Spore print |
White. |
Odour/taste |
Slight fruity odour; acrid taste. |
Habitat |
Deciduous and sometimes also coniferous
woodland, preferring damp, well shaded places. |
Season |
August to October. |
Occurrence |
Frequent; usually scattered rather than in large groups. |
Similar species |
- Russula atropurpurea is larger with a very dark, almost black
cap centre and pale cream gills; its stem base is rusty brown.
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