Blackening russula
A species of Russulas, Also known as Bloody blackening russula Scientific name : Russula nigricans Genus : Russulas
Blackening russula, A species of Russulas
Also known as:
Bloody blackening russula
Scientific name: Russula nigricans
Genus: Russulas
Photo By damontighe , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The flesh of the blackening russula (Russula nigricans) becomes blackish when cut or bruised. The whole fruitbody also becomes black as it ages. This characteristic puts this widely distributed Russula species into the category of "undesirable" mushrooms, and consumption is not advised.
Colors
White
Habitat
The blackening russula can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests. This fungus exists in a symbiotic relationship with a host tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides the fungus with sugars and amino acids. The fruitbodies grow above the host tree's roots.
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People often ask
General Info
Toxicity
A variant subspecies of the blackening russula has been found to contain a toxin that causes rhabdomyolysis, a form of muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure and death. Ever since this discovery, consumption of all forms of blackening russula has been officially discouraged.
Habitat
The blackening russula can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests. This fungus exists in a symbiotic relationship with a host tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides the fungus with sugars and amino acids. The fruitbodies grow above the host tree's roots.
Growth Form
Solitary, gregarious
Sporocarp Height
4 inches
Cap Diameter
8 inches
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
Smell
Smell fruity
Spore Print
White
Species Status
Throughout Britain and Ireland
Distribution Area
North America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,northern Asia
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Photo By damontighe , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Russulales Family
Russulaceae Genus
Russulas Species
Blackening russula