Russula graveolens

Russula graveolens Romell. (illustrated 45% life size) Cap 4–8cm across, convex to flattened; reddish-brown to walnut-brown or ochre, sometimes with hints of violet or carmine at margin; not peeling easily. Stem 40–80×10–25mm; white, staining yellow-brown when handled. Flesh white; firm; taste mild, smell fishy or crabmeat-like. Gills fairly crowded; pale ivory. Spores 7.5–8.8×6.2–7.5µ, ovate; warts up to 1.1µ high, isolated; a large-spored variety has also been described. Spore print pale ochre (D–E). Habitat with deciduous trees; late summer to autumn. Uncommon. Edible. Note this fungus was included in the R. xerampelina complex in my first book; when iron salts are applied, the typical dark green reaction of this group occurs.