Spruce mushroom (Lactarius deterrimus)
Systematics:- Department: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Incertae sedis (undefined)
- Order: Russulales
- Family: Russulaceae (Russula)
- Genus: Lactarius (Miller)
- Species: Lactarius deterrimus (Ginger spruce)
Synonyms:
- Elovik
- Agaricus deterrimus
Ginger spruce (lat. Lactarius deterrimus ) - kind of mushroom Mlechnik (Latin Lactarius.) Family Russula (Latin Russulaceae.)
Description
The cap ∅ 2-8 cm, initially convex, often with a tubercle in the middle, with the edges bent down, with age it becomes flat-concave and even funnel-shaped, fragile, without pubescence at the edges. The skin is smooth, slippery in damp weather, with barely noticeable concentric zones; if damaged, it acquires a green color. Leg ~ 6 cm in height, ∅ ~ 2 cm, cylindrical, very brittle, at first whole, hollow with age, colored the same as the cap. Turns green when damaged. The orange surface of the stem often has darker dents. The plates are slightly descending, very frequent, usually a little lighter than the cap, quickly turn green when pressed. Spores are light buffy, elliptical in shape. The pulp is orange in color, quickly turns green at the break, has a pleasant fruity smell and a pleasant taste. Milky juice is abundant, bright orange, sometimes almost red,greening in the air, not caustic.
Variability
The color of the cap and stem can vary from pale pink to dark orange.
Habitat
Spruce forests, on a forest litter covered with needles.
Season
Summer autumn.
Similar species
Lactarius torminosus (pink wave), but differs from it in the orange color of the plates and abundant orange juice; Lactarius deliciosus (mushroom), from which it differs in the place of growth and much smaller size.
Food quality
In foreign literature, it is described as bitter and unsuitable for food, but in Russia it is considered an excellent edible mushroom; used fresh, salted and pickled. It turns green in the blanks. After consumption, the urine stains red.