| Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Russulales |
| Family: | Russulaceae |
| Genus: | Lactarius |
| Species: | L. rubrilacteus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lactarius rubrilacteus Hesler & A.H.Sm. |
|
| Lactarius rubrilacteus | |
|---|---|
| Mycological characteristics | |
| gills on hymenium | |
| cap is convex | |
| hymenium is decurrent | |
| stipe is bare | |
| spore print is cream | |
| ecology is mycorrhizal | |
| edibility: inedible | |
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 deliciosus.[1]
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The mushroom can be either a bluish green or an orangy brown hue, with creamy white or yellow spores that are ellipsoid in shape.[2][3] The cap of the mushroom is convex and sometimes shield-shaped and 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 in) across, reaching a height of 5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) tall. The cap also has quite an underfolded margin and a depressive disk.[2]
Lactarius rubrilacteus has many laticifers which appear as a white network across the surface of the mushroom.[3] 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.[2] The stem is quite thin, being only several centimetres in any dimension, and is of an average size and shape for a mushroom. The fungus itself exudes a slight odour that is faintly aromatic.[2] While it is not known if the mushroom would be edible, small taste tests reveal that the mushroom is mild to slightly bitter.[2]
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 pines.[2] It is widely distributed in these areas between the months of June and October.[2]