Lactarius tabidus

The original description of L. tabidus has been various ascribed to Elias Magnus Fries,[2] and to Pierre Bulliard,[3] while the synonymous specific name L. theiogalus is variously credited to Fries[2] and Samuel Frederick Gray.[3] The name theiogalus is from the Ancient Greek for "brimstone" (sulphur) and "milk".[2][3] The mushroom has also been named L. chrysorrheus by Lucien Quélet, based on Fries's description,[2] and Lactarius hepaticus, with the authority cited to Charles Bagge Plowright of the British Mycological Society and Jean Louis Émile Boudier.[2] Due to reclassification, Lactarius theiogalus is now considered to be a synonym of Lactarius tabidus, and the binomials Lactarius hepaticus and Lactarius chrysorrheus have been assigned to different Lactarius species.[1]

Lactarius tabidus has a convex cap of between 2.5 and 7 centimetres across, sometimes with a central umbo, that flattens with age. In colour, it varies between liver and a dull chestnut, and the surface is dry and matt. The margin is often has tiny lobes, and can be crimped or crisped. The stem typically measures between 3 and 7 centimetres in height, and is between 4 and 8 millimetres in width. In colour, the stem varies between a reddish-brown and brick coloured. The thin layer of flesh in the cap is a white-tinged pinkish buff colour, and the stem and cap become hollow with age. The pale buff gills are slightly decurrent, and with age become a deep buff to pale ochre colour, sometimes with a slight mauve colouration. The milk is white, drying yellow. The milk stains fabric a sulphur yellow colour in minutes.[4]

The spore print is cream, while the spores themselves are broadly elliptic with large warts. Most warts are joined by thin to thickish ridges, forming a very incomplete network. Other warts are isolated. The spores measure between 8 and 9 by between 6 and 7 micrometres in volume.[4]

The fruit bodies of L. tabidus are considered inedible. The milk has bitter and acrid taste, with a slightly hot aftertaste.[4] The fact that the white milk dries yellow is an indicator that it may be poisonous.[3]

Lactarius tabidus can be found under pine or birch in autumn. It is common in southern Britain, becoming rarer northwards.[4] It can also be found in North America.[3] It grows best in leaf litter or Sphagnum moss.[3]

• List of Lactarius species