Russula decolorans. Photo credit: Jan Borovička

Russula decolorans (Fr.) Fr. 1825

Russula decolorans is a very common taxon found mostly in Europe and North America but occasionally also in Asia. Within its range it prefers acidic soils in cooler areas (https://globalfungi.com). In coniferous forests of the boreal and temperate zone, the species often represents one of the locally dominant fungi. This is an ectomycorrhizal fungus symbiotic with spruce and pine trees. Because the members of the genus Russula often harbour genes that decompose recalcitrant plant biopolymers including cellulose and lignin, the species is interesting with respect to the use of its decomposition machinery for acquisition of nutrients from soils.