Russula torulosa
Description
Russula torulosa is an inedible rare and endangered species of fungi in the family Russulaceae. The cap is 5-10 cm in diameter, convex at first, flat at maturity, sticky-glabrous, reddish-reddish, purple-reddish violet often with greenish spots; lamellae are thin, dense and brittle, forked near the foot, whitish at first, cream at maturity. The stem is 2-6 × 0,7-1,5 cm, cylindrical, rose-violet on a whitish background, often covered in places with blue tones. The flesh is white, fragile, with a strong odor reminiscent of fresh apples and a hot taste.
Mushroom Identification
Cap
5-10 cm in diameter, convex at first, flat at maturity. Wine red or purple-red, often with an almost black center. The surface is smooth, dry, and shiny. The skin is difficult to peel.
Lamellae
Initially white, later creamy. Relatively dense, fused with the stump and brittle. Sometimes they branch off.
Stem
Pink-wine to dark blue and covered with a gentle whitish coating. The surface is smooth. Height up to 8 cm.
Flesh
White, with a pink area under the skin. Tight and firm. With a faint fruity smell and spicy taste.
Spores
The spores are 7.5-9 x 5.5-7 μm in size. They are ornamented with spikes, between which incomplete networking can be seen.
Spore Print
Creamy.
Habitat
Under pines (Pinus) in lowlands and semi-mountainous areas. Prefers places with sandy or calcareous soil. Fruits individually or in groups in the fall. In Europe, this species is distributed mainly in the southern parts.
Look-Alikes
-
Can be found in pine forests. It is characterized by yellowish lamellae and a strong spicy taste.
-
Grows in spruce forests. This species has similar colors and a very spicy taste.
-
Grows in coniferous forests. It differs in the browning after injury and the spicy taste.
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: Jerzy Opioła (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo 2 - Author: Irene Andersson (irenea) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo 3 - Author: Bojana Matić (CC BY-SA 4.0)
