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.
Detailed features
- Cap
- The cap is violet, cherry to wine-red and shiny when damp.
- Hymenophore
- Gills become yellowish with age.
- Stem
- The stem is mainly white, sometimes pinkish or yellowish near the base.
Habitat
Grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, especially on nutrient-poor acidic soils, in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October
Ecology
- Soil
- Acidic
- Notes
- Grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, especially on nutrient-poor acidic soils, in summer and autumn.
How to separate similar species
Many violet Russula are similar. Reliable identification should not rely on cap colour alone.