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Hygrophorus purpurascens [ Basidiomycetes > Agaricales > Tricholomataceae > Hygrophorus . . . ]
by Michael Kuo Like its cousin, Hygrophorus russula, Hygrophorus purpurascens often has the stature of a Russula despite being a waxy cap. However, it lacks the crumbly, brittle flesh of russulas and has thicker, waxy gills. The partial veil of Hygrophorus purpurascens, best seen when mushrooms are in the button stage, separates it easily from Hygrophorus russula. Hygrophorus purpurascens is a conifer associate, found in montane and northern North America. Unlike several other pinkish- to purplish-red conifer-loving species of Hygrophorus, it does not develop yellow colorations or stains on its surfaces or flesh. Hygrophorus purpurascens is edible but sometimes bitter, according to field guide authors. Given its purplish colors and nearly cortina-like partial veil (features that might easily lead to confusion with potentially poisonous species of Cortinarius), I do not recommend that any but the most experienced collectors experiment. I have not tried it. Description: Ecology: Mycorrhizal with conifers; particularly common under Engelmann Spruce in the Rocky Mountains; growing alone, scattered, or gregariously; late summer and fall (over winter in warmer climates); fairly widely distributed in northern and western North America and in the Appalachian Mountains. Cap: 3-20 cm; convex when young, becoming broadly convex or more or less flat; sticky when fresh or wet; with a streaked appearance from stretched-out appressed fibers; pinkish red to purplish red; lighter towards the margin; the margin inrolled when young. Gills: Attached to the stem or running down it; close or nearly distant; white when young, becoming somewhat pinkish and developing purplish or reddish spots and discolorations; waxy; when young covered by a whitish, hairy or kleenexlike partial veil. Stem: 3-15 cm long; up to 2.5 cm thick; equal or with a tapering base; dry; frequently with a fragile purplish ring or ring zone, but also frequently without evidence of the veil when mature; colored like the cap or a little paler; not discoloring yellowish. Flesh: White; unchanging; firm. Odor and Taste: Not distinctive or slightly bitter. Spore Print: White. Microscopic Features: Spores 5.5-8 x 3-4.5 µ; smooth; elliptical. Gill tissue divergent, with cells 4-10 µ wide. Pileipellis an ixocutis with clamp connections present. REFERENCES: (Albertini & Schweinitz, 1805) Fries, 1821. (Hesler & Smith, 1963; Bird & Grund, 1979; Smith, Smith & Weber, 1979; Largent, 1985; Arora, 1986; Bessette, Miller, Bessette & Miller, 1995; Roody, 2003; McNeil, 2006.) Herb. Kuo 08060504. Further Online Information: Hygrophorus purpurascens in Hesler & Smith (1963) |
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Cite this page as: Kuo, M. (2007, January). Hygrophorus purpurascens. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/hygrophorus_purpurascens.html |