Fungi ignoramus needs ID (1 Viewer)

Anybody know these two, seen today in the New Forest, in a conifer plantation, (searching for Crossbills.)

A bit of googling tells me the yellow one is a Lycoperdum, but don't know which species yet.

John P said:

Anybody know these two, seen today in the New Forest, in a conifer plantation, (searching for Crossbills.)

Click to expand...

1) A Russula species, possibly Russula emetica, The Sickener. These are hard to id because there are so many with only subtle variations. The Sickener has a very hot taste. Something probably tells you that it is not edible.
2) Scleroderma citrinum. I think these are sometimes called Earth Balls.

Leif

Thanks Leif, seems to fit the bill.

Leif said:

1) A Russula species, possibly Russula emetica, The Sickener. These are hard to id because there are so many with only subtle variations. The Sickener has a very hot taste. Something probably tells you that it is not edible.
2) Scleroderma citrinum. I think these are sometimes called Earth Balls.

Leif

Click to expand...

I'm simply adding my agreement with Leif on these.

He is rightly cautious about being certain on the Russula - there are several bright red species and others that are available in a variety of colours that include bright red. Precise colour of a thick spore-print is critical, checked against a colour chart than runs from pure white through various shades of cream to ochre yellow, then there are cells in the cap surface that need to be checked with a microscope, details of ornamentation on the spores at high magnification, ...
Russula is not easy!

However, the photograph does look absolutely right for true Russula emetica!

Alan