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Tawny Milkcap (Lactarius fulvissimus)

Tawny Milkcap

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Lactarius fulvissimus

Also known as: Orange-brown Milkcap

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Description

Lactarius fulvissimus, commonly known as the Tawny Milkcap, is a species of fungus in the genus Lactarius. It is characterized by its orange-brown cap and the milky latex it exudes when damaged. This mushroom is typically found in association with deciduous trees.

How to Identify

Cap
The cap is typically 3-8 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, with a central depression in older specimens. The color ranges from orange-brown to tawny, and the surface is smooth to slightly wrinkled.
Gills
The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and pale yellowish to cream-colored. They may stain brownish where damaged.
Stem
The stem is 3-7 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, cylindrical, and colored similarly to the cap or slightly paler. The surface is smooth to slightly hairy.
Flesh
The flesh is whitish to pale orange, and it exudes a milky latex when cut or broken.
Fruiting body
The fruiting body of Lactarius fulvissimus is a mushroom with a cap and stem.
Habitat
Lactarius fulvissimus is typically found in deciduous woods, often associated with birch or oak trees. It fruits in late summer and autumn.

Key Facts

  • Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly wrinkled
  • Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
  • Spore Print: Cream to pale yellowish
  • Body color: Orange-brown
  • Odor: Mild
  • Flesh bruises: May stain brownish
  • Height: 3-7 cm
  • Cap Diameter: 3-8 cm
  • Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal

Safe

Mild Toxicity

Lactarius fulvissimus is generally considered edible, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. It is recommended to cook it thoroughly before consumption.

Toxin Type: None known, but can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.Reaction Type: Gastrointestinal irritation

Quick Check

  • Odor: Mild, indistinct
  • Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
  • Substrate: Soil, associated with deciduous trees

Where to Find

Deciduous Woods

Prefers areas under deciduous trees, especially birch and oak.

Europe

Commonly found throughout Europe.

Finding Tips

Check Under Birch Trees

Look for these mushrooms near birch trees in late summer and autumn.

Examine the Latex

Note the color and abundance of the latex when the mushroom is damaged.

Similar Species

Woolly Milkcap

mushroom

Also known as: Lactarius torminosus

Rufous Milkcap

mushroom

Also known as: Lactarius rufus

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Russulales
Family
Russulaceae
Genus
Lactarius

Storage Information

  • Max Temperature: 20
  • Freezing duration: N/A
  • Min Temperature: 2
  • Refrigeration: 3-5 days

How to Clean

Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if you do, dry them thoroughly.

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