Russula vesca

Russula vesca, commonly known as the Bare-toothed Russula or The Flirt, is a species of mushroom in the family Russulaceae. It is found across North America and Europe, and is known for its mild taste and firm texture.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by British mycologist Miles Joseph Berkeley in 1836. The species name vesca is derived from the Latin word for "edible".

Description

The cap of Russula vesca is 5–10 cm in diameter, initially convex, then flat, and finally depressed. The color varies from red to wine-red, often with a paler margin. The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and white. The stem is white, cylindrical, and often hollow in age.

Distribution and habitat

Russula vesca is widely distributed in North America and Europe. It grows in both deciduous and coniferous forests, often in association with spruce and pine. It is typically found in mossy areas, from summer to autumn.

Edibility

Russula vesca is considered edible, and is known for its mild taste. However, as with all wild mushrooms, it should only be consumed if positively identified by an expert.

See also

• List of Russula species
• Mycology

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