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The sickener

Russula emetica

A species of Russulas, Also known as Vomiting russula

The sickener (Russula emetica) is a red-capped russula with a reputation that backs up its common name. Also known as a "vomiting russula", the species causes severe gastrointestinal distress when eaten. The sickener has a very brittle cap and a strong, peppery or spicy flavor, which may help distinguish it from edible species.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Slightly fruity, not pronounced.

General Info About The sickener

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Attributes of The sickener

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 2.5 - 9 cm across; hemispherical, convex to flat; scarlet to bright cherry-red; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Adnate to adnexed or free; close; white to pale cream

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 4.5 - 11 cm long, 7 - 24 mm thick; irregularly ridged; white; surface smooth

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Flesh 4 - 9 mm thick; brittle; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White to very pale cream

Odor

Slightly fruity, not pronounced.

Body Color

Red

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find The sickener by these plants:

Pines, Spruces, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify The sickener

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of The sickener

The sickener commonly grows in wet, mossy woods, mainly beneath pines and spruce. It grows on the ground, in duff under its host tree, but unlike many Russula species, it occasionally grows on well-rotten wood.

Distribution Area of The sickener

North America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,northern Asia

Scientific Classification of The sickener

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Russulas

Toxicity and Edibility of The sickener

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Is The sickener Toxic?

The sickener is a toxic mushroom species. If consumed, it can induce severe gastrointestinal distress characterized by nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and eventually, diarrhea. While fatalities are rare, the symptoms can be particularly severe in frail, immune-compromised individuals and young children. Although often found beneath conifers and mossy heathland, its attractive habitat should not dilute awareness of its toxicity.

Type of poisoning

Gastrointestinal

Toxic Severity

Low toxicity

Incubation Period

0.5-4 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Experience of minor digestive upset in the stomach and intestines.

Similar Species to The sickener

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Tips for Finding The sickener

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for The sickener

Acidic, well-drained, and often sandy.

What are Some Tips for Finding The sickener

Search in coniferous forests, especially under pine trees.
Look for areas with abundant moss and a wetter ecosystem.
Inspect the bases of conifers, as the sickener often grows close to the tree trunk.
Seek out heathlands with acidic soil conditions.