Russula brunneoviolacea Crawshay (illustrated 60% life size) Cap 3–7cm across, flattened convex, later with a depression, margin becoming furrowed; livid violet, livid purple to dark wine-coloured, or browner; somewhat brittle; three-quarters peeling. Stem 30–60×7–15mm, cylindrical or narrowly club-shaped; white, with brown stains; soft, brittle. Flesh white; taste mild. Gills almost free; cream. Spores 7–9×6–7.5µ, ovate; spines 1–2.2µ high, only a few connected by fine lines. Spore print cream (C–E). Cap cystidia cylindrical to club-shaped, with 0–3 septa; cap surface hyphae tapering. Habitat with broad-leaved trees, especially oak; summer to early autumn. Uncommon. Edible.
