About Russula albonigra (Krombh.) Fr.
This fungus, scientifically named Russula albonigra (Krombh.) Fr., has a cap that reaches up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) wide. The cap shape ranges from convex to infundibuliform; it starts whitish and then turns black, and is sometimes viscous. The stipe grows up to 13 cm (5 in) long; it can be entirely dusky, or white near the top and pale grey-ochreous towards the base. Its gills are decurrent, crowded, thick, and unequal, connected by veins, and range in color from dusky whitish to yellowish. The flesh is white, and turns black or sooty when exposed. The taste varies from somewhat bitter and unpleasant to mild. This species grows under both hardwood and conifer trees in North America, and has been recorded in locations including the Pacific Northwest. It may be edible when cooked thoroughly, but it is considered of little culinary interest, and it resembles a poisonous species.
