Lactarius rubrilacteus

Lactarius rubrilacteus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Russulales
Family: Russulaceae
Genus: Lactarius
Species: L. rubrilacteus
Binomial name
Lactarius rubrilacteus
Hesler & A.H.Sm. (1979)
Lactarius rubrilacteus
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Mycological characteristics

gills on hymenium
cap is convex
hymenium is decurrent
stipe is bare
spore print is cream
ecology is mycorrhizal
edibility: edible

Lactarius rubrilacteus is a species of mushroom of the genus Lactarius.[1] It is also known as the bleeding milkcap, as is at least one other member of the genus, Lactarius deliciosus.[1]

Description

The mushroom can be either a bluish green or an orangy brown hue, with creamy white or yellow spores that are ellipsoid in shape.[2][3] The cap of the mushroom is convex and sometimes shield-shaped and 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 in) across, reaching a height of 5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) tall. The cap also has quite an underfolded margin and a depressive disk.[2]

Lactarius rubrilacteus has many laticifers which appear as a white network across the surface of the mushroom.[3] When sliced or cut, the mushroom flesh will typically release a dark red to purple latex or milky substance.[1] The flesh itself will lose colour when damaged, and is usually granular or brittle to the touch.[2] The stem is quite thin, being only several centimetres in any dimension, and is of an average size and shape for a mushroom. The fungus itself exudes a slight odour that is faintly aromatic.[2] While it is not known if the mushroom would be edible, small taste tests reveal that the mushroom is mild to slightly bitter.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The mushroom is primarily found in parts of western North America, growing in forests and on the ground. The mushroom usually finds cover under conifer trees, mainly pines.[2] It is widely distributed in these areas between the months of June and October.[2]

Chemical reactivity

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 Robert Rich. "Lactarius rubrilacteus". Retrieved 18 April 2007.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Lactarius rubrilacteus". RogersMushrooms.com. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Lactarius rubrilacteus Hesler & Smith". British Columbia Ectomycorrhizal Research Network. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
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