Russula vinosobrunnea (Bres.) Romagn. (illustrated 45% life size) Cap 5–12cm across, convex then flat or funnel-shaped; deep purple-brown to blackish-purple or even olivaceous; fleshy, firm; hardly peeling. Stem 35–75×12–30mm, equal; white, flushed rose or reddish-brown, especially near the base. Flesh white; thick, firm; taste mild, smell pleasant, slightly fruity. Gills rather close, strongly interveined; yellow-ochre, edge often purple. Spores 7–10×6–8µ, ovate; warts up to 1.5µ high, with irregular connectives, rarely forming a reticulum. Spore print clear ochre (F–G). Habitat in mixed woodland; late summer to autumn. Very rare. Edible.
