Content
The zoneless milkweed, or bezonless, belongs to the Russula family, the genus Mlechnik. The mushroom is lamellar, secretes milky juice when cut, and is classified as edible.
Where does the zoneless milkweed grow?
It grows in deciduous forests where there are oaks, with which it forms mycorrhiza. Distributed in Eurasia. On the territory of Russia, zoneless laticifers are found in southern regions, such as the Krasnodar Territory. It grows in groups, often numerous. Fruits from August to September. Prefers moist, shaded places.
What does zoneless milky look like?
The cap size is up to 10 cm in diameter. The shape is usually flat, sometimes concave, there is a small tubercle in the center, and the edges are smooth.The surface is dry, smooth, and becomes sticky in wet weather. Its flesh is elastic and dense. Color - from sand and light brown to rich brown and dark brown, sometimes with gray shades.
The height of the leg is 3-7 cm, diameter is 1 cm. The shape is cylindrical, regular. The surface is smooth. In young specimens it is solid, in old specimens it is hollow. The flesh is elastic and dense. The color is the same as the hat or a little lighter.
This is what a mushroom looks like in cross section
The plates are narrow, slightly running down the stem, and grow to it. The spore-bearing layer is white or milky, gradually darkens and becomes ocher. The powder is creamy, the spores are spindle-shaped.
The pulp is white, dense, slightly pinkish when cut. The taste is insipid; mature specimens develop a bitter taste. Old mushrooms have a slightly spicy aroma. The milky juice is white, after reacting with air it acquires a pinkish-orange hue.
Is it possible to eat zoneless milkweed?
The mushroom is edible. Belongs to the fourth taste category.
False doubles of the zoneless milky
The milkman is wet. Another name is gray-lilac milk mushroom. Unlike zoneless, it has a dome-shaped, sticky, moist cap of gray or violet-gray color. Its size is from 4 to 8 cm. In older specimens it becomes prostrate. The length of the leg is from 4 to 7 cm, thickness is from 1 to 2 cm. It is dense, the surface is sticky to the touch. The flesh is spongy and tender. Belongs to rare species. Grows in moist deciduous forests on mosses. Loves the proximity of birches and willows. Found singly or in small groups. There is no exact information about its edibility; some authors classify it as conditionally edible.
The wet milkweed is easily recognized by the wet surface of the cap.
Milky resinous (black). A very rare mushroom.It differs from the zoneless one in its dark color, but at a young age it is lighter and may be similar to it. The cap reaches a diameter of 3 to 8 cm. Its shape is first convex, then slightly depressed. Color brown-brown, brown-chocolate, brown-black. The leg is dense, cylindrical, reaches 8 cm in height and 1.5 cm in thickness. The color is the same as the cap, white at the base. The pulp is light and dense. Grows in coniferous and mixed forests singly or in groups. The fruiting period is August-September. There is no exact information about edibility.
Milky black dark color with a convex cap
Rules for collection and use
It is recommended to collect milkweed only in wicker baskets that have ventilation, which means they will be better preserved. They are laid with their caps down, specimens with long legs - sideways. Remove from the ground using twisting movements. If in doubt, it is better not to pick the mushroom.
Zoneless milkweeds are not recommended for fresh consumption. They are suitable for salting and marinating. Experts advise taking only young specimens.
Conclusion
Zoneless milkweed is a relative of the well-known russula. Its main difference from other representatives of the genus is the pinkish juice released from the pulp.
