Red Russula Mushroom

Description:

When the experts say "Russula identification is a joke. The "species" are defined on frequently ridiculous, variable characters; the literature goes to great lengths to cover this fact up with pseudoscientific jargon and long-winded descriptions..." I have little to no faith in ME being able to narrow the identification any further.

Habitat:

Growing on leaf and pine needle debris beneath mixed hardwoods and conifers in a forest.

Notes:

Spotted along the Stone Door Trail at South Cumberland State Park, TN