Genus: Lactarius
Family: Russulaceae
Size: 1-6in
Habitat: Symbiotic relation
These mushrooms are mycorrhizal, meaning that the exist as a network or cells connected to tree roots. Named Lactarius indigo, Lactarius meaning milk mushroom because it produces a milky latex when damaged or bruised that is stored in large hyphae. Some lactarius mushrooms are edible but most are poisonous, while the blue milk mushroom is edible. The mushroom is the reproductive structure, releasing spores while the mycelium of a mushroom can live for decades.
Family: Russulaceae
Size: 1-6in
Habitat: Symbiotic relation
These mushrooms are mycorrhizal, meaning that the exist as a network or cells connected to tree roots. Named Lactarius indigo, Lactarius meaning milk mushroom because it produces a milky latex when damaged or bruised that is stored in large hyphae. Some lactarius mushrooms are edible but most are poisonous, while the blue milk mushroom is edible. The mushroom is the reproductive structure, releasing spores while the mycelium of a mushroom can live for decades.