Primrose Brittlegill

Primrose Brittlegill Russula sardonia Fr. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 4–10cm across, convex, later flattening and with a depression; violet-, purplish- or brownish-red, greenish or ochre, to yellowish; hard; shortly peeling only. Stem 30–80×10–15mm; sometimes white but usually entirely pale lilac to greyish-rose; firm, surface as if powdered. Flesh white; taste very hot, smell slightly fruity. Gills adnexed to slightly decurrent, narrow; at first primrose, later pale golden-yellow. Gills and flesh reacting rose with ammonia (distinguishes this species). Spores 7–9×6–8µ, ovate; warts up to 0.5µ high, joined into ridges or by fine lines to form a rather poorly developed network. Spore print cream (C–F). Cap cystidia spindle-shaped or cylindrical, without septa, strongly reacting to SV. Habitat with pine; summer to autumn. Common. Not edible.