The blackening russula, Russula albonigra, is a fungus whose flesh turns black or sooty as it ages. It belongs to the genus Russula, whose members are collectively known as brittlegills, within the family Russulaceae of the order Russulales.
The species grows on the ground in forests where it forms partnerships with trees, and it is found across North America. Its consumption is recommended against, so it is best studied from photographs and descriptions rather than gathered for the table.
It is worth reading about because its color change is one of its most reliable clues for recognizing a brittlegill in the field.
Fruiting Body and Identification
The most reliable clue is the cap, which is whitish when young and darkens as the fungus matures. The cap can reach 20 cm (8 in) across and is convex to funnel-shaped. In some specimens the surface feels sticky.
The gills run down the stem and are crowded and thick, with uneven lengths. They are joined by veins, and their color is dusky whitish or yellowish.
The stem can grow up to 13 cm (5 in) long. It is dusky or white near the top and turns pale grey-ochreous toward the base.
The flesh is white but turns black or sooty as it ages or is damaged. Its taste is somewhat bitter and unpleasant to mild.
Distribution and Habitat
Russula albonigra grows under hardwood and conifer trees in North America. The Pacific Northwest is one of the places where it is found.
It uses forest habitats, where it grows in association with the trees around it.
Observations of the species are concentrated in the late summer and early autumn months, with the peak falling from July through September. These records show when people are most likely to see it, not how many fungi are present.
Uses and Cultural History
The species is not recommended for eating, so it has no established food use.
Photos
Photographs from via iNaturalist, licensed under CC0 1.0., by Sundari Masters via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Atsushi Nakajima via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Adam Górski via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by portulaca via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by T via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Sam Bucciarelli via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by nebrooks via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Andrew Lewis via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Caleb Catto via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Margaret Mahoney via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., and by Julie Travaglini 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
- Russula
- Species
- Russula albonigra
Sources
- GBIF Species names and classification
- iNaturalist Photos
- Wikidata Common names and conservation status
- Wikipedia Summary extract
