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]
| Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Russulales |
| Family: | Russulaceae |
| Genus: | Lactarius |
| Species: | L. rubrilacteus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
|---|---|
 | Gills on hymenium |
 | Cap is convex |
 | Hymenium is decurrent |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is cream |
 | Ecology is mycorrhizal |
 | Edibility is edible |
Description
editThe 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.
Similar species
editLactarius deliciosus is a related species, but its cap differs in appearance.[5] L. sanguifluus is also similar.[5]
Distribution and habitat
editThe 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]
Chemical reactivity
edit- 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.[4]
- 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.[4]
- Sulfovanillin: Most of the mushroom becomes a reddish-brown color, but the oldest roots of the fungi stay unaltered by contact with sulfovanillin.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Robert Rich. "Lactarius rubrilacteus". Retrieved 18 April 2007.
- ^ Thiers, Harry D.; Arora, David (September 1980). "Mushrooms Demystified". Mycologia. 72 (5): 1054. doi:10.2307/3759750. ISSN 0027-5514.
- ^ a b c d e f "Lactarius rubrilacteus". RogersMushrooms.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
- ^ a b c d e "Lactarius rubrilacteus Hesler & Smith". British Columbia Ectomycorrhizal Research Network. Archived from the original on 26 May 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
- ^ a b c Trudell, Steve; Ammirati, Joe (2009). Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Timber Press Field Guides. Portland, OR: Timber Press. p. 60. ISBN 978-0-88192-935-5.
- ^ a b Telander, Todd (2023). Mushrooms. A Falcon Field Guide (2nd ed.). Essex, CT: Falcon Guides. p. 2. ISBN 978-1-4930-6558-5.
- ^ Miller Jr., Orson K.; Miller, Hope H. (2006). North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi. Guilford, CN: FalconGuide. p. 89. ISBN 978-0-7627-3109-1.