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Russula fragilis
These toadstools were probably less than 5cm across each, but it looked like one large toadstool as they had grown together so close. This mushroom grows commonly under deciduous trees, and the colour can vary from the purple seen here, to olive green. The fragile Russula is distinct from similar species like the purple brittlegill (R. atropurpurea) by the pale edge of the cap. As its name suggests, it is very fragile and breaks easily. It is not edible.
Growing near a large oak tree on moist, grassy ground. Lots of dead leaves around. Near a small lake.
Took these on my lunch break, so they're not the best... I had to run back to work!
Spotted on Nov 30, 2012
Submitted on Nov 30, 2012
4 Comments
There are hundreds of Russulas and to be sure of species you really require a microscope. Of course it's not so important to be certain unless you want to eat them or use them in a scientific publication.
Thanks for the suggestions guys, Russula definitely seems to be the genus! I think I found the right species, R. fragila! There are a few that have this wine-coloured cap, but R. fragila has the paler edges, is very fragile and common in very late autumn. Also found under deciduous trees. Think I'm gonna go for that one :D
Possibly Russula xerampelina, but I don't know what grows there.
Russula.