Lactarius flexuosus is a mushroom in the family Russulaceae, notable for a cap that can reach 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter. It belongs to the class Agaricomycetes within the phylum Basidiomycota, placing it among the gilled fungi that form the familiar mushroom shape.
This species offers a good example of the Lactarius genus's characteristic cap size, making it a useful reference point for anyone studying the broader milk-cap mushrooms.
Fruiting Body and Identification
The most notable identifying feature of Lactarius flexuosus is its cap, which can reach up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter, placing it among the medium-to-large members of its genus.
Distribution and Habitat
Observation records for Lactarius flexuosus show a strong seasonal pattern, with numbers rising sharply from a low base in spring to a pronounced peak in the summer months, before tapering off again through autumn and into winter. The vast majority of recorded sightings cluster in the months corresponding to peak summer, suggesting this is when the species is most reliably found fruiting, though these figures reflect presence observations rather than actual abundance or a complete picture of its range.
Outside of this seasonal peak, sightings drop off considerably, with very few records in the colder months, indicating the species is rarely encountered or fruiting outside its main summer window.
Fun Facts
- The cap of Lactarius flexuosus can grow as large as 10 cm (3.9 in) across, a notable size within its genus.
- The species has recognized varieties, reflecting some diversity within Lactarius flexuosus as a taxonomic group.
Photos
Photographs from via iNaturalist, licensed under CC0 1.0., by Stanislav Murashkin via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by relew via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by akhmelyuk via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., and by Anastasiia Samokhvalova via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., credited on each photo.
Ecology and classification
Habitat
Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
- Species
- Lactarius flexuosus
Sources
- GBIF Species names and classification
- iNaturalist Photos
- Wikidata Common names and conservation status
- Wikipedia Summary extract
