London, UK, September 2021Woolly milkcap (Lactarius torminosus)These gorgeous little milkcaps are ea

London, UK, September 2021

Woolly milkcap (Lactarius torminosus)

These gorgeous little milkcaps are easily recognised by their fluffy bears and pink colouring - though the latter hasn’t shown up well in the photo here. Like all their cousins in the Lactariusgenus, they will produce a white latex ‘milk’ when their gills are damaged. As it’s relatively uncommon in Britain, I didn’t want to disturb this single one to photograph the gills, though.

They’re considered edible if carefully prepared, but if eaten incorrectly cooked they can cause stomach upsets.