Russula ruberrima Romagn. (illustrated 60% life size) Cap 4.5–5.5cm across, convex; clear reddish-purple, the centre often blackish-purple; fleshy, firm; easily peeling. Stem 50–65×15–25mm, equal; white, greyish at the base. Flesh white; thick, firm; taste completely mild, smell pleasant, slightly mealy. Gills strongly interveined; white for a long time then yellow-ochre. Spores 7–8.5×6–7µ, almost spherical; warts up to 1µ high, connectives irregular, rarely forming a reticulum. Spore print yellowish (H). Habitat in mixed woods especially with birch; late summer to autumn. Very rare. Unknown edibility. Note photographed by Geoffrey Kibby.
