Russula sp?

[hillrover]

These were photographed at Nutwith Common, N. Yorks on Wednesday. The trees in the area were mostly mature beech.
They were a lovely chestnut brown colour, darkening towards the centre. Unfortunately they were a bit dry and refused to give a spore print.
I think they might be Russula sp. Am I right so far? (Lots of R. ochroleuca around).
Any ideas as to what sp they might be?

Grateful for any help

Christine

[Ditiola]

Hi

To me it does not look right for a Russula. The shiny cap and fine fribrilose radiating lines do not look right, and the colour looks to strong. What colour are the spores? How about Tricholoma?

If you make a spore print on Glass then add Iodine solution, Russula spores will turn Black (Amyloid reaction) and Tricholoma spores will not (Non -amyloid) although they will take up some of the brown Iodine colour.

Peter

[hillrover]

Thanks for the pointers, Peter.
Some sort of Tricholoma does look a possibility.
I keep trying with the ids, but it's very useful to know when I'm wrong
I tried to take a spore print but didn't get anything. I've made a note of your iodine tip for next time.

Christine

[treecreeper]

If it smells of soap it will be Tricholoma saponaceum

[flaxton]

If it doesn't it might be T ustale.

Mal

[hillrover]

Thanks folks.
I'm not very good with the old nose!! It just smelt mushroomy to me.
I'm trying to rehydrate it at the moment 'cause it's looking a bit shrivelled and not smelling of very much.
The site isn't far away but I don't think there will be much point in going back for another shufty at the moment - it's too hot!! Come back you raindrops.

Christine

[fairplay]

Fungi are dodgy things Christine, once they start to shrivel, very few will revive again in water, the exception being certain members of the Marasmius genera.

Neil.

[hillrover]

Thanks Neil. I wasn't too hopeful. Just an experiment.

Christine

[hillrover]

You were right, Neil. It didn't rehydrate it.
However it did bring back some smell which was just a mealy-mushroomy smell. It also aquired a rather slimy feel to the cap which it didn't have when I picked it (when it was probably already drying out).
That seems to underline your suggestion of T ustale.

Christine

[jonbem]

Hi Christine
I'm just up the road in Swaledale, maybe you might want a joint foray?
Let me know. I'm a paid up member of NEFSG, though don't get to enough of their forays.
Jon