Early Russula

flaxton · #1 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 02:53 PM

Well I have already had my first Bolete of the season now the first Russula.

I will see if I can identify it before I check back at other peoples suggestions.

Mal

NickCantle · #2 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 03:20 PM

Cracking find there Mal, you're having a good one! Ok, you want my prediction?

Hmm, I reckon it's Russula fragilis

PMG · #3 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 04:23 PM

R. grisea?

Pauline

Fungus Ken · #4 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 05:42 PM

A bit cruel to post a photo of a Russula (of all species) without any additional information.

Interestingly, the acorn cups in the photo suggest Turkey Oak ie Quercus cerris was growing nearby. Can't make out any other tell-tale signs to indicate possible mycorrhizal associates.

To my mind the specimens look a bit robust for Russula fragilis and the jizz doesn't fit Russula grisea for me. (Also Russula fragilis usually has a denticulate edge to the gills which can be seen clearly with a hand lens, so this is a quick clue in the field as to whether you have this species. But as I say, I don't think it is.)

My first thoughts on a firm purple Russula with ochre spots would be good old Russula atropurpurea, although the one on the left of the photo seems to have quite ochre gills, which would not be right if this was close to the colour of the spore print. But perhaps it is just age?

Not enough to go on for me to be able to take it any further. Perhaps someone braver will take up the challenge of putting a name to a Russula with nothing but the information in the photo.

Ken

Leif · #5 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungus Ken

Not enough to go on for me to be able to take it any further. Perhaps someone braver will take up the challenge of putting a name to a Russula with nothing but the information in the photo.

Ken

The one on the right looks like a George. I'll venture no further than that. (Cripes, these are near impossible even when you know the taste, gill colour, spore size and shape and blah blah blah.) No wonder they accidentally slip under certain heels ...

mykonik · #6 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leif

The one on the right looks like a George. I'll venture no further than that. (Cripes, these are near impossible even when you know the taste, gill colour, spore size and shape and blah blah blah.) No wonder they accidentally slip under certain heels ...

My thoughts exactly Leif !

Nick

flaxton · #7 (**permalink**) 17-05-2008, 12:30 AM

It keyed out as grisea

Mal

NickCantle · #8 (**permalink**) 17-05-2008, 12:35 AM

Well done Pauline

Fungus Ken · #9 (**permalink**) 17-05-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flaxton

It keyed out as grisea

Mal

I'll take your word for it Mal, because you have the specimens and you've done the work.

All I'd say is that this photo wouldn't be a good one to put in the A-Z for this species because the cap colour would not be typical.

For example, in Geoffrey Kibby's synoptic keys booklet, the colours of Russula grisea are given as blackish-olive, olive-grey, bluish grey, grey-lilac, and in my experience these colours are more typical of this species.

But then again, we all know how variable and deceptive colours can be in this genus...

Ken

flaxton · #10 (**permalink**) 18-05-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungus Ken

I'll take your word for it Mal, because you have the specimens and you've done the work.

All I'd say is that this photo wouldn't be a good one to put in the A-Z for this species because the cap colour would not be typical.

For example, in Geoffrey Kibby's synoptic keys booklet, the colours of Russula grisea are given as blackish-olive, olive-grey, bluish grey, grey-lilac, and in my experience these colours are more typical of this species.

But then again, we all know how variable and deceptive colours can be in this genus...

Ken

Why do you think it was after midnight before I posted my decision. I used Geoff Kibby's key but as to be expected not 100% sure. I might send a sample and record sheet to Geoff to make sure

Mal

Fungus Ken · #11 (**permalink**) 18-05-2008, 10:14 AM

Best of luck.

I know Geoffrey Kibby does reply if he has time, but I think he must be very busy these days so your sample may just disappear into his enormous "to do" pile.

Ken