Milk-white Brittlegill

The basidiocarps of Russula delica seem loath to leave the soil, and are often found half buried. As a result, the caps often traps the surrounding leaf debris on their rough surfaces. The cap can be 16 cm in diameter. It is white, usually tinged with ochre or brown, with an inrolled margin, which usually remains white. At first it is convex, but later flattens, and is often funnel shaped. The firm, white stipe is short and stout, measuring 2–6 cm high and 2–4 cm wide. The gills are decurrent, and are quite closely spaced initially. The spore print is creamy white, and the warty oval spores measure 8–12 x 7–9 μm. The flesh is white, and does not change colour on cutting. The flesh may smell faintly of fish or insects, and has a hot, bitter, tangy taste.