Russula variata

Description

Russula variata is a type of edible mushroom found in North America and Europe. It has a cap that is typically a mix of greens and purplish pinks, though it can sometimes be a single dominant color. The mushroom grows under oaks and other hardwoods. It has soft gills that fork repeatedly and produces a white spore print. The taste of this mushroom varies from mild to somewhat acrid.

In Europe, Russula variata and Russula cyanoxantha are considered to be synonyms by researchers. However, there are differences between the European and American versions of these mushrooms. The European species is found exclusively under conifers, which is not the case for the American species.

To clarify the relationship between these two species and confirm their differences, a phylogenetic study, which examines the genetic relationships among different organisms, would be necessary.

Common names: German (Frauentäubling).

Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   The cap is 1.97 to 5.91 inches (5 to 15 cm) in diameter and starts as a round or convex shape when young. As it matures, it becomes broadly convex to flat or slightly depressed. The surface is mostly dry but can be slightly moist. The color varies, ranging from green to olive green or purplish pink, often with mottled shades. With age, the cap may crack and the skin can peel fairly easily, sometimes halfway to the center. In older specimens, the margin may have slight lines.

2. Gills

   The gills are attached to the stem or slightly running down it. They are close together or crowded and frequently fork near the stem, cap margin, and in-between. The color of the gills is white, occasionally developing slight brownish spots as they age, but they do not bruise. When young, the gills feel soft, greasy, and flexible, which is unusual for Russula mushrooms.

3. Stem

   The stem is 1.18 to 3.94 inches (3 to 10 cm) long and 0.39 to 1.18 inches (1 to 3 cm) thick. It is white, possibly with some brown discoloration in places, but it does not bruise. The stem is brittle and dry, and as it ages, it may develop cavernous structures. The surface of the stem is generally smooth.

4. Flesh

   The flesh is thick and white. It has a brittle texture.

5. Odor and Taste

   The odor of this mushroom is not distinctive. When tasted, it has a mild or occasionally moderately acrid flavor, which becomes milder as the mushroom ages. When doing a taste test, it's essential to include the gills.

6. Habitat

   Found in association with hardwood trees, especially oaks, but sometimes reported near conifers as well. It grows either alone or in groups during the summer and fall. It is more commonly found in eastern North America and Europe but may have a wider distribution.

7. Spore Print

   White.

8. Chemical Reactions

   KOH on cap surface negative to orangish. Iron salts on flesh and stem surface negative.

9. Microscopic Features

   Spores 7-11.5 x 6-8 µ; with fairly isolated warts .3-1 µ high; connectors present but not forming reticula. Pileipellis a cutis beneath a turf-like upper level of elements with variously shaped, slender tips; pileocystidia not clearly differentiated, but some hyphal tips and/or pseudocystidia may be positive in sulphovanillin; in KOH all pileipellis elements hyaline.

Look-Alikes

1. Russula cyanoxantha

   Russula variata and Russula cyanoxantha are easily confused, although both are considered good edibles. While both have forked gills, those of Russula variata are much more frequently forked in many place

2. Russula aeruginea

   Has brittle blades and, at most, is forked near the base.

Video

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