volemus

Weeping Milk Cap

Lactifluus volemus is a distinctive ectomycorrhizal mushroom known for its copious latex production. The cap is typically apricot to tawny-orange, dry, and velvety, ranging from 5 to 11 cm in diameter. It starts convex and becomes depressed or funnel-shaped with age. The gills are creamy white to pale yellow, crowded, and bruise brown when damaged. A defining feature is the abundant white latex that flows readily upon injury, staining tissues brown and emitting a characteristic fishy odor as the mushroom matures or dries. This species forms symbiotic relationships with various hardwood and coniferous trees, particularly oaks and beeches. It is a highly regarded edible mushroom, prized for its firm, meaty texture and mild flavor when cooked, despite the fishy aroma of the raw flesh. The mushroom is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere in temperate and subtropical regions.