Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Basidiomycota |
Class: | Agaricomycetes |
Order: | Russulales |
Family: | Russulaceae |
Genus: | Lactarius |
Species: | L. rubrilacteus
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Binomial name | |
Lactarius rubrilacteus |
Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
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![]() | Gills on hymenium |
![]() | Cap is convex |
![]() | Hymenium is decurrent |
![]() | Stipe is bare |
![]() | Spore print is cream |
![]() | Ecology is mycorrhizal |
![]() | Edibility is 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 sanguifluus. [2]
The mushroom can have either a bluish green or an orangy brown hue, with creamy white or yellow spores that are ellipsoid in shape. [3] [4] Greenish colors are more common to old, damaged or unexpanded specimens. [5] The cap of the mushroom is convex and sometimes shield-shaped and 6–12 cm (2+1⁄4–4+3⁄4 in) across, reaching a height of 5–15 cm (2–6 in) tall. The cap also has quite an underfolded margin and a depressive disk. [3]
Lactarius rubrilacteus has many laticifers which appear as a white network across the surface of the mushroom. [4] 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. [3] The stem is coloured as the cap, [6] thin, and up to several centimetres long. The fungus itself exudes a slight odour that is faintly aromatic. [3] This mushroom is edible [7] but of little interest. [6] Commonly found with a small blue or green mushroom attached at the base. Bruises green.
Lactarius deliciosus is a related species, but its cap differs in appearance. [5] L. sanguifluus is also similar. [5]
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. [3] It is widely distributed in these areas between the months of June and October. [3]