| Navigating through the taxonomy of
the species in Section Acrifolia (Romagn.) of Subgenus Compactae
is not easy. Whether what we have locally is truly R. densifolia, as
described from Europe is an outstanding question. But since this name is
broadly accepted in our area then this is the species that best corresponds
to that concept. The densifolia concept is based on (1) narrow gills
(2) very slowly reddening, but never fully red, rather pinkish (the
species in the picture were left for 10 minutes before the picture was taken)
and (3) then blackening. The taste of densifolia seems a variable
characteristic, described differently by each author -- suffice to say that
in my experience it varies between mild to slightly pungent, or barely
acrid. The odor is mildish to unpleasant. Locally, R. densifolia
tends to show up in mixed stands, but the hardwood component seems to be
important. |
