Lactifluus vellereus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:30, 16 February 2025

Lactifluus vellereus[edit]

Lactifluus vellereus, commonly known as the fleecy milkcap, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is a large, white, and robust mushroom that is often found in deciduous forests. This species is notable for its thick, velvety cap and the copious amount of latex it exudes when cut or damaged.

Description[edit]

Cap[edit]

The cap of Lactifluus vellereus is typically 10–25 cm in diameter, making it one of the larger species in the genus. It is convex when young, becoming depressed and funnel-shaped with age. The surface is dry, velvety, and white, sometimes with a yellowish tinge.

Gills[edit]

The gills are decurrent, meaning they extend down the stalk, and are white to cream in color. They are closely spaced and exude a white latex when damaged.

Stipe[edit]

The stipe, or stem, is stout and short, usually 3–7 cm long and 2–4 cm thick. It is white and smooth, sometimes with a slightly velvety texture.

Spores[edit]

The spore print of Lactifluus vellereus is white. The spores are broadly ellipsoid to subglobose, with a reticulate surface.

Latex[edit]

The latex of Lactifluus vellereus is white and does not change color upon exposure to air. It is abundant and can cause a mild irritation if it comes into contact with skin.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Lactifluus vellereus is found in temperate regions of Europe and North America. It grows in deciduous and mixed forests, often in association with oak and beech trees. The species is mycorrhizal, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of trees.

Edibility[edit]

While Lactifluus vellereus is not considered poisonous, it is generally regarded as inedible due to its acrid taste. The latex can cause a burning sensation on the tongue, which makes it unpalatable to most people.

Related Species[edit]

Lactifluus vellereus is closely related to other species in the Lactifluus genus, such as Lactifluus piperatus and Lactifluus volemus. These species share similar morphological characteristics but can be distinguished by differences in taste, latex color, and habitat preferences.

Related Pages[edit]

Template:Russulaceae

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-'''Lactifluus vellereus''', commonly known as the woolly milkcap, is a species of [[mushroom]] belonging to the genus ''[[Lactifluus]]'' within the family [[Russulaceae]]. This mushroom is notable for its distinctive woolly white cap and the milky fluid it exudes when cut or broken. It is found in various parts of Europe and North America, typically growing in deciduous and coniferous forests, forming [[mycorrhizal associations]] with a wide range of trees.
+== Lactifluus vellereus ==
-==Description==
+[[File:Lactarius_vellereus_LC0113.jpg|thumb|right|Lactifluus vellereus in its natural habitat]]
-''Lactifluus vellereus'' features a large, white to cream-colored cap, which can reach up to 15 cm in diameter. The cap surface is dry and covered in a woolly or felty texture, giving the mushroom its common name. The edges of the cap are often rolled inward. The gills are white, closely spaced, and attached to the stem, which is also white and robust, measuring up to 6 cm in height and 2 cm in diameter. When damaged, the mushroom exudes a white, milky latex that does not change color upon exposure to air, a characteristic feature of many ''Lactifluus'' species.
-==Habitat and Distribution==
+'''Lactifluus vellereus''', commonly known as the ''fleecy milkcap'', is a species of [[fungus]] in the family [[Russulaceae]]. It is a large, white, and robust mushroom that is often found in deciduous forests. This species is notable for its thick, velvety cap and the copious amount of latex it exudes when cut or damaged.
-''Lactifluus vellereus'' is primarily found in temperate regions of Europe and has been reported in various parts of North America. It prefers calcareous soils and is commonly found in both deciduous forests, particularly under oaks and beeches, and in coniferous forests, often associating with pines and spruces. The fruiting season extends from late summer to autumn.
-==Edibility==
+== Description ==
-The edibility of ''Lactifluus vellereus'' is a subject of debate, with some sources describing it as edible while others advise against consumption due to its bitter taste and potential for causing gastrointestinal upset. If considered for consumption, thorough cooking is recommended to mitigate any adverse effects. However, due to its bitter taste, it is not highly regarded as a culinary mushroom.
-==Ecological Role==
+=== Cap ===
-As a mycorrhizal fungus, ''Lactifluus vellereus'' plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by forming symbiotic associations with trees. These associations help improve water and nutrient uptake for the host trees and in return, the fungus receives carbohydrates produced by the tree through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship is vital for the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems.
+The cap of ''Lactifluus vellereus'' is typically 10–25 cm in diameter, making it one of the larger species in the genus. It is convex when young, becoming depressed and funnel-shaped with age. The surface is dry, velvety, and white, sometimes with a yellowish tinge.
-==Conservation==
+=== Gills ===
-Currently, there are no specific conservation concerns for ''Lactifluus vellereus'', as it is relatively widespread and not considered rare. However, like many fungi, its presence is dependent on the health of its habitat, making it susceptible to the effects of deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
+The gills are decurrent, meaning they extend down the stalk, and are white to cream in color. They are closely spaced and exude a white latex when damaged.
-==See Also==
+=== Stipe ===
-* [[Mycorrhiza]]
+The stipe, or stem, is stout and short, usually 3–7 cm long and 2–4 cm thick. It is white and smooth, sometimes with a slightly velvety texture.
-* [[Russulaceae]]
-* [[Mycology]]
+=== Spores ===
+The spore print of ''Lactifluus vellereus'' is white. The spores are broadly ellipsoid to subglobose, with a reticulate surface.
+=== Latex ===
+The latex of ''Lactifluus vellereus'' is white and does not change color upon exposure to air. It is abundant and can cause a mild irritation if it comes into contact with skin.
+== Habitat and Distribution ==
+''Lactifluus vellereus'' is found in [[temperate]] regions of [[Europe]] and [[North America]]. It grows in [[deciduous]] and [[mixed forests]], often in association with [[oak]] and [[beech]] trees. The species is [[mycorrhizal]], forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of trees.
+== Edibility ==
+While ''Lactifluus vellereus'' is not considered poisonous, it is generally regarded as inedible due to its acrid taste. The latex can cause a burning sensation on the tongue, which makes it unpalatable to most people.
-[[Category:Fungi]]
+== Related Species ==
-[[Category:Russulaceae]]
+''Lactifluus vellereus'' is closely related to other species in the ''Lactifluus'' genus, such as ''[[Lactifluus piperatus]]'' and ''[[Lactifluus volemus]]''. These species share similar morphological characteristics but can be distinguished by differences in taste, latex color, and habitat preferences.
-[[Category:Mycorrhizal fungi]]
-{{Fungi-stub}}
-==References==
+== Related Pages ==
-<references/>
+* [[Fungi]]
+* [[Mycology]]
+* [[Russulaceae]]
+* [[Mycorrhiza]]
-==External Links==
+{{Russulaceae}}
-* [https://mushroomobserver.org Mushroom Observer] - A community for mushroom identification and discussion.
-{{Mycomorphbox
+[[Category:Russulaceae]]
-| name = ''Lactifluus vellereus''
+[[Category:Fungi of Europe]]
-| whichGills = adnate
+[[Category:Fungi of North America]]
-| capShape = convex
-| hymeniumType=gills
-| stipeCharacter=bare
-| ecologicalType=mycorrhizal
-| sporePrintColor=white
-| howEdible=questionable
-}}