About this fungus
Orange Milkcap is a fungus in the Russulaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A small European milkcap with a smooth apricot to orange-brown cap, often with a low central bump.
What to check
Confirm crowded pale ochre gills that run slightly down the stem and release white latex which does not change colour. The dry to slightly greasy cap is usually unzoned, and the stem has no ring or volva. Tree association and microscopic characters may be needed within this difficult group.
Variation
Fresh caps can be bright apricot-orange, fading or darkening to brownish orange with age. The central bump may be distinct or nearly absent.
Lookalikes
Lactarius fulvissimus, Lactarius subdulcis and other small orange-brown milkcaps can look very similar. Host trees, latex changes, spore ornamentation and other microscopic details may be required, and names used outside Europe may refer to different regional species.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal on acidic woodland soil, especially with spruce and pine and sometimes birch. The strict taxon is primarily European and should not be transferred worldwide from cap colour alone.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 3.0