Russula laricina

Russula laricina

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Russulales

Family: Russulaceae

This beautiful but very variable brittlegill is difficult to identify, and microscopic examination is necessary to separate it from some of the other doppelgangers in this complex genus.

As the specific epithet (the Latin name for a larch tree is larix) implies, this is a mushroom of larch woodland. Often occurring on quite dry slopes, the fruitbodies are not always veryo easy to spot because they blend in so well with the leaf and needle litter of the forest floor.

Identification Guide

Cap

3 to 6cm across; various shades of coppery brown with green and vinaceous tints; thick fleshed;

Gills

Free; moderately crowded, cream, browning with age.

Stem

3.5 to 6cm tall and 0.7 to 1.4cm dia; c reamy white, browning with age

Spore print

Cream.

Odour/taste

Odour n ot distinctive; taste variable - sometimes mild but can also be bitter.

Habitat

Mycorrhizal with larch trees.

Season

July to October.

Occurrence

An infrequent find in most areas, but more common in the west of Britain where larch plantations are more plentiful.

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