Lactifluus volemus

Lactifluus volemus, formerly known as Lactarius volemus, and commonly known as the weeping milk cap or bradley, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that L. volemus represents several species or subspecies, rather than a single taxon.

The colour of the mushroom varies from apricot to tawny, and the cap may be up to 11 cm (4+1⁄2 in) wide. The pale golden yellow gills on the underside of the cap are closely spaced and sometimes forked. One of the mushroom's most distinctive features is the large amount of latex it exudes when the gills are damaged, leading to some of its common names, e.g. voluminous-latex milky. It also has a distinctive fishy smell, which does not affect the taste. The fruit bodies have been chemically analysed and found to contain several sterols related to ergosterol, some of which are unique to this species. The mushroom also contains a natural rubber that has been chemically characterized. L. volemus produces a white spore print and has roughly spherical spores about 7–8 μm in diameter. Several other Lactifluus species resemble L. volemus, such as L. corrugis, but can be distinguished by differences in distribution, visible morphology, and microscopic characteristics.

L. volemus is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, in temperate regions of Eurasia and North America, as well as some subtropical and tropical regions of Asia. A mycorrhizal fungus, its fruit bodies grow on the ground at the base of various species of trees from summer to autumn, either individually or in groups. It is valued as an edible mushroom and is sold in some Asian markets.