Russula unknown ....

[PMG]

Doing well for 'unknowns' two from yesterdays Anglesey trip (a robberfly from the dunes!) and this fabulous huge russula from The Spinnies Reserve near Bangor.

There were a dozen at least - all sizes but the biggest was getting on for a good 6 - 8 inches across

Stipe white, fairly firm - not particularly crumbly - resembled cut bread when halved ....

Cap was half peeling revealing lovely pink skin underneath - many well grown were severely cracked

Gills began just off white but turned quite a good shade of cream when older

The most noticeable thing - a strong smell of stewed fruit - apples - so good I thought of fresh vanilla custard and my mouth watered!!

I've got B & K Russulas ............ and I'm still ploughing thro it - sev times in fact!!

Have promised myself that in a couple of days time (spec going in fridge) that I will get the microscope out (for the first time despite having it in the cuboard for sev years ........) and actually try this micro lark now that I don't work (well not in that sense!) anymore - watch this space - and any help or comments appreciated ........

Pauline

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by PMG

Have promised myself that in a couple of days time (spec going in fridge) that I will get the microscope out (for the first time despite having it in the cuboard for sev years ........) and actually try this micro lark now that I don't work (well not in that sense!) anymore - watch this space - and any help or comments appreciated ........

Pauline

hey - go for it Pauline

there's lots of other stuff I would use the 'scope for before I got to Russula mind (i.e. most of the fungal kingdom) but that's just my unjustifiable prejudices coming out . . .

good luck!

Chris

[FungiJohn]

Hi Pauline

The fruity smell you describe may well point to Russula emetica var ..... What trees were growing nearby?

Pauline with a microscope ... about time too

John

[PMG]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Hi Pauline

The fruity smell you describe may well point to Russula emetica var ..... What trees were growing nearby?

Pauline with a microscope ... about time too

John

err ........ I hate to admit this ....... but ...... Joan and I were half way back to the main road and enroute for Anglesey when I said 'oh (swear word) we didn't look at the trees' ........ this is what comes from feeling pressured into fitting a huge amount into an impromtu 'escape day' - slap my wrists - I'm getting slap-dash ..........

Thinking about it the trees are a deciduous mix and there is a lot of ivy on the floor and welsh slate chippings on the path - oh ok - I haven't a clue - slap me when I get to Clumber

Pauline

And PS - yes Chris I know - I;ve looked at the illustrations for russula microscopic work and the spores all look the same for starters ........ what ho!

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by PMG

err ........ I hate to admit this ....... but ...... Joan and I were half way back to the main road and enroute for Anglesey when I said 'oh (swear word) we didn't look at the trees' ........ this is what comes from feeling pressured into fitting a huge amount into an impromtu 'escape day' - slap my wrists - I'm getting slap-dash ..........

Thinking about it the trees are a deciduous mix and there is a lot of ivy on the floor and welsh slate chippings on the path - oh ok - I haven't a clue - slap me when I get to Clumber

Pauline

Never mind Pauline, as long as you enjoyed yourself

I'll label all the trees in Clumber for our foray, just to make it easier

John