Blackening Brittlegill (Russula nigricans)

Russula nigricans

Deciduous and coniferous forests. Summer, autumn.

In the colour, shape and size of the fruiting body and in its habitat, Russula nigricans is very similar to Russula adusta; it differs in its distant, thick gills; when cut or broken, the cap, gills, flesh or stem, unlike those of R. adusta, instantly turn red, eventually becoming red, turning greyish and finally black. Flesh not bitter. Characteristic features: thicker, distant gills and smaller spores. Fruiting bodies are very often maggoty, especially the stem. Grows in summer and autumn, in small groups among mosses, more widespread in coniferous forests. Edible, not rare. Much loved by insects, most often maggoty.