About this fungus
Curry Milkcap is a fungus in the Russulaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A small, dry, dull reddish-brown milkcap with a darker centre and often a tiny central point, growing among moss in woodland.
What to check
Damage the gills and confirm sparse watery white latex that does not strongly stain the tissues. Gills begin pale and become reddish-buff to cinnamon. The curry, bouillon or fenugreek-like odour often strengthens as a specimen dries. There is no ring or volva.
Variation
Caps range from dark chestnut and red-brown to rusty or orange-brown and may fade with age. The characteristic odour varies in fresh specimens but can become much stronger during drying.
Lookalikes
Fenugreek Milkcap, Lactarius helvus, is larger, has very watery latex and is poisonous. Rufous Milkcap is larger and usually lacks the characteristic aroma. Western North American Candy Cap is generally Lactarius rubidus, not the same species, while eastern North American material called L. camphoratus may include unresolved taxa.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal in mossy conifer and mixed woodland, often with spruce or pine, and also reported with broadleaved hosts. Host range and taxon concepts vary regionally.
Food safety
Edibility is uncertain or disputed.
Photographs
Strobilomyces / CC BY-SA 3.0Species to compare
Similar mushrooms to compare against: