Russula alutacea (Pers. ex Fr.) Fr. Gemeiner Ledertäubling, Russule couleur de cuir. Similar to R. olivacea and sharing with it the livid purple reaction to phenol and the same type of microscopic structure of the cap surface. It differs mainly in the sporal ornamentation with rather lower warts (reaching 0.8m high) which are often joined by ridges so as to form a partial network though with few or no meshes. Cap 7–13cm across, livid purple, vinaceous or purplish brown, the centre often paler of straw-coloured, buff, olive or greenish, these latter colours sometimes spreading over the entire surface. Stem 30–100 x 15–40mm, white, often tinted rose but usually at the base only (in R. olivacea the top or the whole stem may be affected.) Spores 8–10 x 6.5–8.5μ. Habitat in broad-leaved woods. Season early summer to early autumn. Occasional. Edible. (Never eat any mushroom until you are certain it is edible as many are poisonous and some are deadly poisonous.) Distribution, America and Europe