Lactarius turpis

Morphological Features:

Pileus of considerable size; adult specimens can reach dimensions that in some cases approach 20 cm in diameter, though it is most common to find them between 10 and 15 cm. It is convex for most of its development, possessing a central depression when young, and becoming more distinctly depressed with age. It has a somewhat dingy appearance, with a color ranging from olive-brown to dark brown or blackish-olive, the center generally darker and the marginal zone lighter, more distinctly olivaceous. The cuticle is viscid and can become glutinous in rain, although it contrasts by being felted when young, later becoming somewhat rugose. The margin is involute in young specimens and subsequently expanded.

Lamellae that may be adnate to slightly decurrent, fairly crowded, pale in color initially, grayish-cream, but becoming notably soiled with age, developing spots that turn dark brown.

Stipe well-proportioned or somewhat short, similar in color to the pileus or slightly lighter, generally tending to fade at the base and darken upon handling. Hard and solid when young, becoming cavernous like many other species of its genus. Slightly to not at all scrobiculate.

Flesh thick and hard, firm, whitish when cut, darkening after a few minutes. Exudes a very acrid white latex; however, the flesh's acridity is delayed, initially tasting sweet but unpleasant, becoming acrid after a few seconds.

Habitat:

A species that typically appears in mountain birch stands with some profusion, being rarer and scarcer in other habitats; we have observed it at the edge of a pine forest and in beech woods more sporadically. At certain elevations, it can be found as early as summer, though it is most commonly encountered during autumn. It is a species that generally fruits in small groups.

Observations:

This species is characterized by its viscid pileus and dingy appearance, with brownish and olivaceous colors, which places it within the section Atroviridi. Some authors note that it possesses mild toxicity, as it may cause slight gastrointestinal disturbances. Due to its appearance, it is difficult to confuse; only Lactarius blennius may bear some resemblance, being similarly viscid and olivaceous, but it is never as dark nor does it have that dingy appearance, furthermore its stipe is usually more scrobiculate.