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The Russulales are an order of fungi that are typically parasitic or saprotrophic, often found at the base of trees. Their fruiting bodies can be slimy and many possess gills. Some species within this order are quite large, with diameters reaching up to 1 meter (3.3 feet). The Russulales order includes some edible fungi, such as certain species of tooth fungi. A notable genus within this order is Russula, which are characterized by stout stems, white spores, and brittle caps that can be red, purple, yellow, green, or blue. Unlike the related genus Lactarius, Russula fungi do not produce milky juice.12

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