Fleshy Fungi of New Brunswick >> Russula cyanoxantha var. cyanoxantha

Russula cyanoxantha var. cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr.

Gregarious in soil under Fagus grandifolia, Betula alleghaniensis and Picea rubens, Caledonia Gorge Protected Natural Area, New Brunswick (23-08-12/01), and solitary in soil, associated with Betula alleghaniensis, Canoose Flowage Protected Natural Area, New Brunswick (11-08-17/01)

Basidiopores forming a rather light print, appearing white when scraped into a pile, 7.8-9.5 X 6.3-7.8 μm, D/d = 1.19-1.32 (av. = 8.7 X 7.0 μm, D/d = 1.24) (23-08-12/01), and very pale yellow (HSV55;02-03:100) in spore print, broadly ellipsoidal, densely covered with short amyloid spines, without interconnecting ridges, 6.6-8.0 X 5.5-6.3 µm, D/d = 1.15-1.36 (average[23]: 7.2 X 5.9 µm, D/d = 1.22) (11-08-17/01).

A common species in our region recognized by the peculiar combination of green and purple colours of the pileus and the characteristic cracking of the surface pf the pileus and by the broadly ellipsoidal spores with unconnected spines.

The two collections presented here differ in the dimensions of their spores, suggesting they could represent distinct species. However, they are otherwise quite similar and for now are maintained together in the herbarium.

Photograph: D. Malloch (23-08-12/01, 11-08-17/01).