Turkish russula (Russula turci)
Systematics:- Department: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
- Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
- Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
- Subclass: Incertae sedis (undefined)
- Order: Russulales
- Family: Russulaceae (Russula)
- Genus: Russula (Russula)
- Species: Russula turci (Turkish russula)
Other names:
- Russula murrillii;
- Russula lateritia;
- Russula purpureolilacina;
- Turco's russula.
Turkish russula (Russula turci) - a mushroom belonging to the russula family, is a member of the russula genus.
External description
The fruiting body of Turkish russula is capillary, characterized by dense white flesh, which turns yellow in mature mushrooms. Under the skin, the pulp gives off a lilac hue, has a sweetish taste and a well-defined odor.
The leg of the mushroom has a cylindrical shape, sometimes it can be clavate. Her color is more often white, less often it can be pink. In humid weather, the color of the leg has a yellowish tint.
The diameter of the cap of the Turkish russula varies between 3-10 cm, and its initially convex shape becomes flattened, depressed as the fruit bodies ripen. The color of the hat is more often lilac, it can be saturated purple, violet-brown or gray-violet. Covered with a slimy, shiny skin that can be easily removed.
The hymenophore of the Turkish russula is lamellar, consists of frequent, gradually diverging plates, slightly growing to the stem. initially their color is cream, gradually becoming ocher.
The spore powder in Turkish russula has an ocher tint, contains ovoid spores with dimensions of 7-9 * 6-8 microns, the surface of which is covered with spines.
Season and habitat of the fungus
Turkish russula (Russula turci) is widespread in the coniferous forests of Europe. Able to form mycorrhiza with fir and spruce. It occurs in small groups or singly, mainly in pine and spruce forests.
Edibility
Turkish russula is an edible mushroom characterized by a pleasant aroma and not a bitter taste.
Similar types and differences from them
The Turkish russula have one similar species called Russula amethystina (Amethyst russula). It is often considered a synonym for the described species, although in fact both of these mushrooms are different. The main difference between the Turkish russula in relation to Russula amethystina can be considered a more pronounced spore network.