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The genus Millechnik (Lactarius) of the Syroezhkov family unites lamellar fungi that secrete milky juice on the incision. It was studied and isolated by the mycologist Christian Person in 1797. The lilac milky is one of 120 species found on earth.
Where the lilac milky grows
The fungus is distributed throughout Eurasia. Its favorite growing places are broad-leaved and mixed forests, where oaks and hornbeams, birches and aspens grow. But it can be found quite often in coniferous forests. If the rest of the milkmen grow on soil, rotten foliage, then this species appears on the trunks of fallen trees in late summer and early autumn. The mycelium form a symbiosis with the roots of trees: they braid them, forming a mycorrhizal sheath.
The only one of the milky kind to appear on the trunk of a fallen tree
What does the lilac milkman look like
Wet miller (another name for this species) is a small mushroom. The diameter of the cap is 8-15 cm. The gray-pink surface is flat, depressed in the middle. Over time, it becomes like a funnel. In wet weather, the cap is slimy, sticky, iridescent with steel and purple hues. On the inwardly concave edges, you can feel the villi. On the inner surface are whitish or creamy plates. When touched, they, like the hat, turn purple. The juice released on the plates also changes color in the air. The pulp has a light spongy structure of a creamy or white shade. There is no particular smell, but the fruiting body tastes a little bitter.
The leg of this mushroom is high, reaching 10 cm. It resembles an even cylinder in shape, only sometimes thickens at the base. It is hollow and contains no pulp. When cut or broken, the cream color changes to purple.
Cut edges turn purple quickly
Is it possible to eat purple lilac
This is a conditionally edible mushroom. Nothing is known about its toxicity. But scientists suggest that a small amount of toxins is still present in it. Therefore, it is advised not to eat them. But experienced mushroom pickers collect it together with other types of milkmen, milk mushrooms, and find it quite pleasant to the taste.
False doubles
The twin is lump yellow, which grows most often in the coniferous forests of Siberia, although it can also be found in mixed plantings. The surface is also sticky and damp. But the color of the cap is yellow, when cut, the flesh turns yellow, a characteristic milky juice is released, and it quickly changes color in the air. The dimensions of the yellow breast are smaller: the diameter of the cap is 8-10 cm, the height of the dense and thick leg is 4-6 cm. It is edible.
The lump is distinguished by a pleasant yellow color on the outer surface of the cap.
Another double - thyroid milky... Interestingly, when pressed, its plates also turn purple. But the specimen is distinguished by an ocher, yellowish surface and slightly smaller size. This is an inedible species and scientists do not recommend collecting it.
Thyroid milky - inedible species
Miller gray, like lilac, is an inedible fruiting body. It has a grayish-ocher color of the cap surface, which coincides with the shade of a low stem. But there are steel, lead scales in the skin. On the pinkish plates, milky juice is released, which does not change color even after contact with air. Occurs in late summer among alder forests.
Gray milky - another type of inedible fruiting body
Lilac miller also found in alder forests. It is distinguished by its small size and lilac color of a cap with straight, sharp edges. Milky sap is white, the hue does not change when selected.
Conditionally edible lilac mushroom
Collection rules and use
Milk mushrooms are the favorite mushrooms of Russians, although in Europe they are considered inedible. Lilac milky is conditionally edible. For those who are confident in its suitability for food, experts advise:
- collect only young fruiting bodies, in which there are fewer toxins;
- do not use them fried;
- before processing, soak in cold water for two days;
- boil thoroughly before salting or pickling.
To be sure of the edibility of the lactarius, it is better to turn to experienced mushroom pickers. They will help you distinguish edible from poisonous varieties and will advise on the best way to process them further.
Conclusion
Lilac milky - one of the conditionally edible species of the genus Millechnikov. For eating, it is better to collect only edible milk mushrooms, so as not to fear for your health.
