Rufous Milkcap

Rufous Milkcap Lactarius rufus (Scop.) Fr. (illustrated 45% life size) Cap 3–10cm across, convex, later flattening, finally with a central depression, the centre usually with a pointed umbo, margin somewhat inrolled at first; bay, red-brown, or dark brick; moderately thick, surface dry and matt. Stem 40–80×5–20mm; concolorous with cap but paler; often hollow when old. Flesh white; breaking fairly easily. Gills somewhat decurrent; yellowish at first, later as cap but paler; brittle. Milk white; taste mild then after about a minute very hot and acrid. Spores 8–9.5×6.5–7.5¼, elliptical; warts occasionally isolated but mainly connected by thin ridges to form a rather incomplete network. Spore print creamy whitish (B) with slight salmon tinge. Habitat with pine; late spring to late autumn. Common. Not edible although in some places it is used as a seasoning after special treatment.