Fenugreek milkcap

Appearance

The velvety cap is initially slightly convex, becoming funnel-shaped as it matures; it is 4–15 cm in diameter and has a faint zonate pattern, beige or light grey at the margins and darkening toward the centre. The decurrent gills are cream when young, and darkening to ochre-yellow with age. The flesh is white or beige, often pink-tinged. The latex, or milk, is watery and colourless, unlike that of any other milkcap. The hollow cylindrical stalk is 3–9 cm high by 1–2 cm wide. It may be whitish when young, ochre or pink-tinged, and sometimes spotted orange-brown. The highly distinctive smell has been described as reminiscent of fenugreek, with a mild taste. To others, the smell has been likened to lovage or celery, or liquorice or a packet of Maggi instant soup.

Distribution

Fruiting bodies are found in groups in woodlands near conifers such as "Picea" and "Pinus", as well as the deciduous birch and rarely beech. More specifically, they occur in wet places, often growing in "Sphagnum", in late summer and autumn. The species is found across Europe and Asia.

Habitat

Fruiting bodies are found in groups in woodlands near conifers such as "Picea" and "Pinus", as well as the deciduous birch and rarely beech. More specifically, they occur in wet places, often growing in "Sphagnum", in late summer and autumn. The species is found across Europe and Asia.

Defense

The symptoms occur within thirty minutes of consumption, with nausea and vomiting accompanied by vertigo and chills. The toxic agents are thought to be sesquiterpenes. In October 1949, 418 people were poisoned near Leipzig in eastern Germany. The toxins are destroyed by thorough boiling, and "L. helvus" is used in small quantities as a spice after drying.

The agent which gives the fungus its distinctive odour is sotolon, which also gives fenugreek seed and lovage their characteristic smells. It is present as well in molasses, aged sake and white wine, flor sherry, and roasted tobacco, as well as in maple syrup.