A slightly different Lactarius than all others - Lactarius pterosporus

in Fungi Lovers4 months ago

This inedible species of mushroom can be found mainly in deciduous forests, where there are many beech trees. It appears from August to October.

At first glance, this species of mushroom does not resemble any of the Lactarius family, it looks more like some species of Russula. But one of the features indicates that it is Lactarius - milk.

The cap of this mushroom can reach a diameter of up to 10-12 cm. It is convex, opens quickly and often has a small depression in the middle, with a small conical hump inside it.

The cap is the color of coffee with milk, slightly ocher, reddish-brown, sometimes almost pink. The brim of the hat may be slightly wavy and curls over time.

The surface is matte, dry, but during the wet season it is slippery. There are numerous wrinkles on the surface of the cap, hence the name of this mushroom: milkweed.

The blades are light ocher in color and are densely forked at the stem. Damaged ones turn pink or orange after a few minutes. Damaged ones secrete white milk.

The leg can reach a thickness of up to 15 mm, it is rather cylindrical and full inside. The color is usually gray and flesh-colored, turning pink when cut.

The pulp has an unpleasant taste and smell. It also turns pink and brick red after a few minutes. It also often secretes white milk.

The milk secreted by the fungus is very abundant. After some time, it changes color, just like the flesh, to pink, brick red. The taste is burning.