Lactarius pyrogalus?

[Gerel]

These were growing on grazing land up to twenty feet in from the edge which is bounded by a hedge containing plenty of hazel. They are quite large, up to 10cm across. The milk was white and did not discolour on exposure to the air, it was very hot to taste, like licking a chilli

As the title suggests, I'm thinking L. pyrogalus but wondered if there are other possibilities.



regards

Steve

[flaxton]

The general look of the cap, gills and the nearby hazel all points to pyrogalus. The milk is supposed to turn grey/green after time though.

Mal

[Gerel]

How much time though

The milk showing on the gill shot must have been exposed for several minutes by the time I finished messing about with camera, tripod etc but still seems white.

According the Phillips the milk should go orange-yellow with KOH so I could give that a try.

Steve

[Ken Burgess]

The only species you are likely to confuse it with is Lactarius circellatus, which grows with hornbeam. But, in my experience, the milk is not as fiery hot as with L. pyrogalus, so I'd agree with your suggestion.

Ken

[Gerel]

Ta Ken,

there's no hornbeam in the vicinity to the best of my knowledge so I'm happy that pyrogalus is as close to a definite ID as can be had.

Steve