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EDIBLE AND POISONOUS MUSHROOMS OF CANADA<br />
the Russulaceae. Lactarius is, of course, distinguished from Russula by the<br />
presence of the latex.<br />
Lactarius is an important and interesting genus for the amateur collector.<br />
There are many species and they may be found over a long period throughout<br />
the summer and fall. Many of the species are large and attractive and a great<br />
many can be identified with reasonable certainty from macroscopic characters.<br />
In collecting Lactarii it is important to note the color of the latex and any<br />
color changes that occur when the latex is exposed to the air, and whether or<br />
not these changes occur slowly or rapidly. The taste of the latex is also an<br />
important character, and this may be ascertained simply by touching the latex<br />
with the tip of the tongue. It may be mild or acrid and burning or sometimes<br />
astringent. Sometimes the burning sensation develops slowly. The color of the<br />
pileus and stipe, and whether or not these are viscid, should be noted.<br />
Although Lactarius is usually classified among the white-spored genera,<br />
many of the species have colored spores and it is advisable to obtain a spore<br />
print in making identifications. The color of the spore deposit is considered to<br />
be a constant character and valuable in determination of species.<br />
Some of the species such as L. deliciosus are well known to be of excellent<br />
quality for eating, but others are doubtful. It is probably better to avoid all<br />
those with an acrid taste even though some are said to be harmless after cook-<br />
ing. L. rufus has been reported to be poisonous and since there are a number of<br />
reddish forms that might be confused with it, these should be tried very<br />
cautiously, and all acrid, reddish fruit bodies should be discarded. Species in<br />
which the latex turns lilac should also be avoided. In Lactarius, as in other<br />
mushrooms, the species should be determined before any are used as food.<br />
Key<br />
1. Latex colored from the first 2<br />
1 Latex white at first, unchanging or becoming colored on exposure to the air 4<br />
2. Latex blue L. indigo<br />
2. Latex not blue 3<br />
3. Latex orange-red or carrot-colored L. deliciosus<br />
3. Latex dark crimson-red L. subpurpureus<br />
4. Latex white at first, changing color on exposure to the air,<br />
at least on the bruised flesh 5<br />
4. Latex white, unchanging 13<br />
5. Latex changing to lilac or violet 6<br />
5. Latex not changing to lilac or violet 7<br />
6. Pileus glabrous, brownish gray L. uvidus<br />
6. Pileus tomentose, especially on margin, dull yellow L. representaneus<br />
7. Latex changing to yellow 8<br />
7. Latex not changing to yellow 10<br />
8. Pileus glabrous, grayish to tawny reddish L. chrysorheus<br />
8. Pileus tomentose, especially toward margin 9<br />
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