Fragile Brittlegill - Russula fragilis

The cap is 2 to 6 cm in diameter and is variable in colour between various shades of red and violet but more commonly purple and often having a blackish centre. The cap margin is usually grooved and the gill edges have a distinctive serrated appearance. Taste of flesh quite hot.

In broad-leaf woodland and sometimes also in coniferous woodland, preferring damp, well shaded places.

August to October

Usually scattered and not in large groups

Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.