Day 6: Several species of Russula are common hosts to an orange overgrowth of Hypomyces lactifluorum (known as "Lobster" for the colour). The parasite is considered edible and indeed is sought after by many pickers, but not me. Why? There is no way to tell which Russula is the underlying structure, and although I have never heard of anyone being poisoned by accidental consumption of Russula emetica when eating Lobsters, nor have I ever confirmed that Lobster even grows on R. emetica, it's not a chance I care to take. Lobster does grow on some rather dubious Russulas, though, including R. occidentalis (Western Russula, shown above). While R. occidentalis isn't listed as "poisonous" per se, it might be one of the species which gives a fishy taste to some Lobsters. In any event, I'll give Russulas and its companion Hypomyces a pass, thank you.
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