Russula grisea

Russula grisea (Pers.) Fr. (illustrated 50% life size) Rather similar to R. ionochlora (opposite), and only reliably distinguished by its microscopic characters. Cap 4–8cm across; colours rather more dingy, more dull brownish or greyish. Spores 6.5–8×5.5–6.5µ, elliptical; warts up to 0.9–1.2µ high, some joined in chains or by fine lines to form an incipient network and only rarely enclosing a mesh. Spore print cream (D), slightly deeper coloured than in R. ionochlora. Mainly distinguished by the terminal cells of the cap hyphae being long and narrow, cylindrical, or tapering, not short and broad as in R. ionochlora. Habitat mainly with beech; summer to early autumn. Occasional. Edible.