Laccaria Ochropurpurea (Berkeley) Peck
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EmailLaccaria Ochropurpurea is a mycorrhizal basidiomycete with hardwoods and conifer, and is usually found growing alone.
Laccaria Ochropurpurea is a mycorrhizal basidiomycete with hardwoods and conifer, and is usually found growing alone. One of the key distinguishing features is the distinct purple color of the gills which is in contrast to the white cap (Fig. 1). Laccaria amethystina has gills that have a similar dark purple color, but the cap is also purple. The cap can also frequently be characterized by a central depression. The stem is the same off-white color as the cap, but can also be characterized by a rough or shaggy texture (Fig 2). This mushroom is known to be edible
 Peck Figure 1.png?language_id=1)
The spores are globose and are ornamented with spikes (Fig. 3). Another distinguishing feature is that when tested with KOH reaction the cap or the stem will briefly turn orange, this can be used to distinguish it from similar Laccaria species such as Laccaria Amethystina which has a brown reaction when tested with KOH.
 Peck Figure 3.png?language_id=1)
References:
- Kuo, M., & Methven, A. S. (2014). Mushrooms of the Midwest. University of Illinois Press.
- Indiana Mushrooms.
- Laccaria Ochropurpurea. Michael Kuo. Mushroom Expertcom.
