Lilac Brittlegill
Russula lilacea
Photo: Photo: (c) Federico Calledda, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Federico Calledda
Overview
The Lilac Brittlegill is a distinctive mushroom species characterized by its pale lilac to violet-purple cap and white to cream-colored gills that become brittle with age. This mycorrhizal fungus forms essential symbiotic relationships with tree roots, facilitating nutrient exchange and supporting forest ecosystem health through its underground fungal networks.
The Lilac Brittlegill (Russula lilacea) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized forest ecosystems. As a mycorrhizal fungus dependent on specific host trees, it faces severe threats from deforestation, forest fragmentation, and changes in forest composition that disrupt the delicate symbiotic relationships essential for its survival.
Habitat
Lilac Brittlegill occurs in mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in association with oak, beech, and birch trees where it forms mycorrhizal partnerships. The species requires well-drained, slightly acidic soils with rich organic matter and stable forest floor conditions.
Other threatened species in Russulaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lilac Brittlegill classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Lilac Brittlegill live?
What are the main threats to Lilac Brittlegill?
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