Species details
Turk's brittlegill
Russula turci
Traditionally edible
Photo: Henk Monster · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License
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Description
A violet to wine-coloured Russula of conifer woods, often recognisable by a characteristic iodine-like medicinal odour.
Identification features
The cap is violet, cherry to wine-red and shiny when damp. Gills become yellowish with age. The stem is mainly white, sometimes pinkish or yellowish near the base.
Identification checklist
Combine the violet-wine cap, yellowish mature gills and characteristic medicinal-chemical smell. Taste testing is unnecessary for app users.
How to separate similar species
Many violet Russula are similar. Reliable identification should not rely on cap colour alone.
Habitat
Grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, especially on nutrient-poor acidic soils, in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October