Lactarius rubrilacteus

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Lactarius rubrilacteus is a species of mushroom of the genus Lactarius.[1] It is also known as the bleeding milkcap, as is the similar L. sanguifluus. It is edible but of low interest.

Description

The mushroom can have either a bluish-green or an orangy-brown hue.[2][3] It bruises green, and is more commonly greenish in old, damaged, or unexpanded specimens (e.g. a "button" at the base).[4][5] It has many laticifers which appear as a white network across its surface.[3]

The cap of the mushroom is convex, sometimes shield-shaped, and Script error: No such module "convert". across;[5] it also has quite an underfolded margin and a depressive disk.[2] The stem is coloured like the cap,[6] up to 6 cm long and 2.5 cm thick.[5]

When sliced or cut, the mushroom flesh will typically release a dark red to purple latex or milky substance.[1] The flesh will lose colour when damaged, and is usually granular or brittle to the touch.[2] The fungus exudes a slight odour that is faintly aromatic.[2]

The spores are creamy white or yellow and ellipsoid in shape.[2][3] The spore print is beige.[5]

File:Lactarius rubrilacteus Hesler & A.H. Sm 183957.jpg
Group of mushrooms

Chemical reactivity

  • Potassium hydroxide: When the mushroom comes in contact with potassium hydroxide, most of the mushroom, including the mantle and ectomycorrhizae, loses its bluish hue and becomes a dull brown.[3]
  • Melzer's reagent: Hardly any visible reaction on any part of the mushroom occurs. This particular mushroom appears to have little reactivity to Melzer's Reagent.[3]
  • Sulfovanillin: Most of the mushroom becomes a reddish-brown color, but the oldest roots of the fungi stay unaltered by contact with sulfovanillin.[3]

Similar species

Lactarius deliciosus is a related species, but its cap differs in appearance.[4] L. sanguifluus (also known as bleeding milkcap)[7] is similar,[4] perhaps even synonymous, and is mycorrhizal with pine in Europe.[5] Additionally, L. barrowsii, L. paradoxus and L. subpurpureus may be similar.[5]

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 Douglas-fir.[2] It is widely distributed in these areas between the months of June and October.[2]

Uses

The mushroom is edible,[8] but has a grainy texture[5] and is of little interest.[6]

See also

References

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