Russula densifolia
| Russula densifolia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Russulales |
| Family: | Russulaceae |
| Genus: | Russula |
| Species: | R. densifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Russula densifolia | |
| Synonyms | |
| Russula densifolia | |
|---|---|
| Gills on hymenium | |
| Cap is convex or depressed | |
| Hymenium is adnate or decurrent | |
| Stipe is bare | |
| Spore print is white | |
| Ecology is mycorrhizal | |
| Edibility is poisonous | |
Russula densifolia, commonly known as the crowded russula or the reddening russula, is a species of agaric fungus in the family Russulaceae. It was first described in 1833 and given its current name in 1876.
The fruit bodies (mushrooms) are robust and squat, with caps up to 14.5 cm (5.7 in) in diameter, and stems that are 2–7.5 cm (0.8–3.0 in) long by 1.2–2.5 cm (0.5–1.0 in) thick. The mushrooms are characterized by the red and then black color changes that occur in the flesh when it is bruised, and a relatively thick cap cuticle.
A widespread species, it is found in Eurasia and North America, where it fruits on the ground in mixed and deciduous forests. Although the mushroom is sold as an edible species in some areas of Asia, it is mild to moderately toxic, and may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated and identified.