PinkmottleWoodwax Hygrophorus russula (Schaeff.) Quél. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 5–10cm across, broadly convex, with an inrolled margin, expanding to flat or concave; pink to purple-red, sometimes bruising yellow; sticky then dry, streaked with purple-pink fibres that give the surface a scaly appearance. Stem 20–70×15–35mm, sometimes tapering towards the base; white, streaking pinkish; dry, smooth, solid. Flesh white, usually tinged pink; thick, firm; taste mild or slightly bitter, smell mild. Gills adnate, close to crowded, moderately broad; white at first then pale pink, spotted purple-red; waxy. Spores 6–8×3–5¼, ellipsoid; nonamyloid. Spore print white. Habitat in oak woods, especially on calcareous soil; late summer to late autumn. Very rare. Edible good.
