How to identify Camphor Milky

To correctly identify Camphor Milky (Lactarius camphoratus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Dark reddish-brown to burnt orange, 2-5 cm in diameter, surface is dry and dull.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to decurrent, crowded, typically reddish-ochre in color.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical, concolorous with the cap, often lighter at the apex, 3-6 cm long.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Brittle, reddish-brown, exuding a watery, mild to slightly bitter white latex that does not change color.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small, with a convex cap center becoming slightly umbonate or depressed with age.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Mycorrhizal with both deciduous (specifically beech and oak) and coniferous trees, often found on rotting wood or mossy ground.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, smooth to minutely velvety.

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious.

Spore Print

Creamy white to pale yellow.

Body color

Reddish-brown.

Odor

Maple syrup/Curry.

Flesh bruises

Does not stain significantly.

Height

3-7 cm

Cap Diameter

2-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to subdecurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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