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The Blistered Milkcap (Lactarius turpis) is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is not generally considered edible due to its acrid taste, though some sources claim that parboiling or pickling may render it palatable. It is found commonly in coniferous forests.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Cap is convex to flattened, often with a central depression. It is typically brown to olive-brown, with a sticky surface when moist. The cap surface is often uneven or wrinkled.
- Gills
- Gills are crowded, decurrent, and cream to pale ochre in color. They stain brown when bruised.
- Stem
- The stem is short, stout, and pale brown in color. It is often sticky or slimy.
- Flesh
- The flesh is firm and whitish, staining brown when cut or bruised.
- Fruiting body
- Medium to large size mushroom with a distinctive cap and latex.
- Habitat
- Found in coniferous and deciduous forests, often near birch trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Sticky when moist, often wrinkled
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Cream to pale ochre
- Body color: Brown to olive-brown
- Odor: Indistinct or slightly unpleasant
- Flesh bruises: Stains brown
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Toxic
Mild ToxicityContains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed raw. Parboiling or pickling may reduce toxicity.
Toxin Type: Unknown irritantsReaction Type: Gastrointestinal irritation
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Soil, under birch trees
Where to Find
Forests
Found in coniferous and deciduous forests, often near birch trees.
Finding Tips
Season
Look for it in late summer and autumn.
Habitat
Check under birch trees in moist areas.
Similar Species
Lactarius torminosus
mushroom
Also known as: Woolly Milkcap
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
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