Russula fellea

Taxonomy

It was first described and named in 1821 by the Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries, initially as Agaricus felleus, before being placed in the genus Russula in 1838. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin adjective felleus meaning "biliary", in reference to its bitter taste, reminiscent of bile.

Description

The cap is usually 4–9 cm wide, and convex, flattening later, and often with a broad central boss (umbo). It is sometimes furrowed at the margin when mature. The similarly coloured, but paler stipe is firm and stout, and is 2–6 cm high by 1–2 cm wide. The gills are adnexed, and are the same colour as the stem, giving a spore print that is white to pale cream. The flesh is white, and does not change colour on cutting. It tastes hot, and often has a bitter tang. The smell is variously reported to resemble geraniums,

Distribution and habitat

Russula fellea appears in autumn, and is found with beech (Fagus) in Britain, but in Europe it sometimes occurs with spruce (Picea). It is normally associated with well-drained acid soils, and is widespread in the northern temperate zones; Britain; Europe, and Asia. It is not present in North America where it is replaced by the closely related R.simillima. It grows in deciduous and coniferous woods, and forests.

Edibility

This mushroom is inedible, having a very hot bitter taste.

References

References

1. Roger Phillips. (2006). "Mushrooms". Pan MacMillan.
2. Lamaison, Jean-Louis. (2005). "The Great Encyclopedia of Mushrooms". Könemann.
3. Thomas Laessoe. (1998). "Mushrooms (flexi bound)". Dorling Kindersley.