Lactarius turpis

Lactarius turpis (also L. plumbeus or L. necator) is sometimes known as the Ugly Milk-cap in English. It is associated with birch and also pine.

Description
The cap is 8-20cm in diameter and funnel-shaped with a depressed centre. The upper surface is smooth and olive-brown to black. At first it is rather viscid in the middle and velvety/shaggy at the rim with a yellower-green colour. The messy, dirty appearance, seen in the photograph, is characteristic of the species and gives it its English name and the original Latin name (turpis). It seems to collect debris on top and the gills acquire a dirty brownish staining due to discoloured milk. It also demonstrates another common phenomenon in mycology: the Latin names keep changing. This species and L. helvus were formerly used (after boiling) as a spice in mushroom dishes in northern Europe, however, modern knowledge recognises these species as slightly carcinogenic, and their use is not recommended by the officials.

Distribution
Lactarius turpis is found in Europe and Australia.

Edibility
The Ugly milk-cap can be eaten after boiling.

Ryzec šeredný Juodasis grūzdas Zwartgroene melkzwam Mleczaj paskudnik Чёрный груздь Mustarousku