Purple-gilled Russula

Description

Russula cyanoxantha, commonly known as the Purple-gilled Russula or Charcoal Burner, is a widespread and common edible mushroom belonging to the large genus Russula. It is characterized by its variable cap coloration, which can range from purplish to greenish or brownish, and its distinctive flexible, greasy-feeling gills that do not break easily when rubbed, unlike many other Russula species. This flexibility is a key diagnostic feature. The flesh is firm and white, and it has a mild, nutty taste.

How to Identify

Cap

The cap is typically 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) in diameter, initially convex, becoming flattened or slightly depressed with age. The color is highly variable, ranging from purplish, lilac, violet, olive-green, grayish-green, or brownish, often with shades of blue or purple. The cuticle (cap skin) is often sticky or greasy in wet weather, peeling about one-third to halfway to the center. It often has darker blotches or streaks.

Gills

The gills are adnexed to almost free, crowded, and white to cream-colored, often with a bluish or purplish sheen, especially when young. A crucial identifying feature is their flexibility; unlike most Russula species, the gills of R. cyanoxantha are greasy to the touch and do not snap or break easily when bent or rubbed.

Stem

The stem is 4-12 cm (1.5-5 inches) long and 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 inches) thick, cylindrical or slightly club-shaped, solid, and white. It is smooth and lacks a ring or volva. It can sometimes have a faint purplish blush.

Flesh

The flesh is white, firm, and brittle, but not as crumbly as some other Russula species. It does not change color when cut or bruised. It has a mild, pleasant, nutty taste and no distinctive odor.

Fruiting body

The fruiting body is a typical agaric (gilled mushroom) with a cap, gills, and a central stem. It is robust and medium to large in size.

Habitat

Russula cyanoxantha is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with various deciduous and coniferous trees. It is commonly found growing on the ground in broadleaf woodlands, particularly under oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), and birch (Betula), but also occasionally under conifers.

Key Facts

• Cap surfaces: Smooth, often sticky or greasy when wet, cuticle peeling up to halfway.
• Growth Form: Solitary or scattered
• Spore Print: White
• Body color: Cap highly variable (purplish, greenish, brownish, lilac); gills white to cream with purplish sheen; stem white.
• Odor: Mild, pleasant
• Flesh bruises: Does not bruise or change color
• Height: 4-12 cm (1.5-5 inches)
• Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm (2-6 inches)
• Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal

Quick Check

• Odor: Mild, not distinctive
• Fruiting: Summer to autumn (July-October)
• Substrate: Ground, mycorrhizal with broadleaf trees (oak, beech, birch)

Where to Find

Finding Tips

Similar Species

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Basidiomycota

Class

Agaricomycetes

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Russula

Storage Information

• Max Temperature: 4°C
• Freezing duration: 6 months
• Min Temperature: 0°C
• Refrigeration: 5 days

How to Clean

Gently brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or damp cloth. Avoid washing under running water, as mushrooms can absorb excess moisture. Trim off any damaged or insect-ridden parts of the stem.

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