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Primrose brittlegill
A species of Russulas Scientific name : Russula sardonia Genus : Russulas
Primrose brittlegill, A species of Russulas
Scientific name: Russula sardonia
Genus: Russulas
![Primrose brittlegill (Russula sardonia)](/wiki-image/1080/263864807647608832.jpeg)
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Description
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The cap grows to around 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. It is commonly purplish-red, but brownish, and greenish forms have been recorded. Usually it is darker in colour towards the middle, which is convex when young, but becomes depressed in the centre with age. The stem is occasionally white, but more commonly is flushed with pale purple-red, and has a grape-like; easily removed bloom. It is 3–8 cm tall and 1–1.5 cm in diameter. The adnexed to slightly decurrent gills are pale primrose yellow, and they darken with age. They are narrow, and exude water droplets when young.(see photograph left) They also turn slowly pink when ammonia is dropped onto them. This identifies the mushroom to species level, and is a ‘must do’ test for the rarer colour forms. The spore print is cream. The flesh is firm, and has a very hot taste, making the mushroom inedible.
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Habitat
In woodland
* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.
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People often ask
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General Info
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Toxicity
Primrose brittlegill is commonly found in coniferous and deciduous woodland habitats during late summer and fall seasons. While it features a distinctive pale pink to cream cap, it harbors gastrointestinal toxins leading to minor digestive upsets. Distinction from non-toxic varieties is essential.
Habitat
In woodland
Growth Form
On ground,singly or in troops
Sporocarp Height
4 inches
Cap Diameter
5 inches
Habit
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
Spore Print
Pale yellow-ocher to cream
Distribution Area
Europe,introduced in South Africa,southern South America
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How to identify it?
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Similar Species
![](/wiki-static/name/a4119999746f4ab49c83ebb69ac0e9df/website/img/icon/icon_arrow_description@3x.png)
![Primrose brittlegill (Russula sardonia)](/wiki-image/1080/263864807647608832.jpeg)
![](/wiki-static/name/a4119999746f4ab49c83ebb69ac0e9df/website/img/icon/icon_enlarge@2x.png)
![Primrose brittlegill (Russula sardonia)](/wiki-image/1080/263864807647608832.jpeg)
![](/wiki-static/name/a4119999746f4ab49c83ebb69ac0e9df/website/img/icon/field_icons/icon_scientific_spieces@2x.png)
Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Russulales Family
Russulaceae Genus
Russulas Species
Primrose brittlegill ![](/wiki-static/name/a4119999746f4ab49c83ebb69ac0e9df/website/img/icon/field_icons/icon_Similar Species@2x.png)
Similar Species
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