Stinking Brittlegill

Russula foetens

Coniferous and deciduous forests. Summer, autumn.

Fruiting bodies large. Cap 7-15 (18) cm across, slimy, shiny, margins bent downwards, the cuticle peels well, yellowish-brown, dirty ochre, rusty-bronze in colour. Gills cream, the edges with droplets of colourless liquid, as if dewy, adnate. Stem 5-12x2-4 cm, whitish, greyish. Characteristic features: the Almond Brittlegill (R. laurocerasi) is similar; it differs in its smaller fruiting bodies and a distinct smell of almonds. Protected. Grows in groups, especially in birch and oak woods. Edible, but not valued because of its bitter taste and unpleasant smell. Uncommon in recent years.