AuthorKibby, G.
Year2003
TitleKey to British species of Russula in the R. xerampelina group
TypePaper
How CompleteAll the British species known to the author at the time, plus a few anticipated additions.
SourceField Mycology Vol 4 (3): 93-100.
IllustrationsColour photographs of fruitbodies of selected species, and of microscopy of cuticle types. Line drawings of example spores, cuticular hyphal terminations and pileocystidia.
Review (by Malcolm Storey)

There are about a dozen species of Russula in the R. xerampelina complex. These are recognised by the strong greening reaction of FeSO4 on the stipe flesh, the smell of old shellfish as the fungus ages and the rapid browning on handing.

A key is given followed by short species accounts.

Examine Compound Microscope
Specimen PreparationSpore preps in Melzer’s iodine under x100 oil immersion objective, several cap cuticle (scalp) preps stained with different stains: sulpho-vanillin, congo red and carbol-fuchsin/hydrochloric.
Identification difficultyA good microscope with good lighting, PROPERLY SET UP is always essential for examining Russula spore ornamentation.

Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentRussulabrittlegill toadstools, russulasFungi: Russulales: Russulaceae
For identificationCurrentRussula xerampelina agg.crab brittlegillsFungi: Russulales: Russulaceae
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