Violet row (Lepista irina) is a type of fruit bodies belonging to the Ryadovkovy family. It has an interesting cap color and a pleasant floral (not perfume) scent. This is a good edible mushroom that tastes like purple ryadovka. However, some lovers of 'quiet hunting' do not dare to take and cook this type of fruit body. The fact is that many mushroom pickers who have no experience can mistake the violet row for a poisonous toadstool. In addition, a light violet scent can persist in its structure even after heat treatment. But many regard this feature as an opportunity to give the dish originality and piquancy.
In order to get acquainted with the violet rower more clearly, we suggest looking at the photo and description belonging to this species. 
Description violet row (Lepista irina)
Latin name: Lepista irina.
Family: Ordinary (Tricholomataceae). Some mycologists have transferred this type of fungus to the genus Govorushka (Clitocybe).
Synonyms: violet lepist. Latin synonyms: Clitocybe irina, Gyrophila irina, Tricholoma irinum, Agaricus irinus, Rhodopaxillus irinus.
Hat: rather large, 5-15 cm in diameter, fleshy, in young specimens it is presented in the form of a sphere. Then it acquires a bell-shaped shape and, already in deep adulthood, becomes prostrate, with wavy, uneven edges. The surface of the cap is dry, silky and smooth to the touch. The color is white with a noticeable pink tinge, which turns reddish brown in maturity. The area located in the very center of the cap has a darker shade than the edges.
Leg: 5-11 cm in height, up to 2 cm in thickness, strong, fibrous, slightly widened at the base, sometimes even. The photo shows that the violet leg of the row is covered with characteristic vertical strokes, but they are not always visible. The ring-skirt on this part of the fruiting body is completely absent. The surface of the leg is the same color as the cap – whitish, pale or pink-cream.
Flesh: thick, firm, white in color, with a pleasant floral scent and sweetish taste. In humid weather, its structure becomes watery. The flesh of the stem is fibrous and rather tough, especially at the base.
Plates: loose, frequent, adherent to the stem, sometimes not reaching it. The color of the plates in young mushrooms is whitish, after which they turn pink, and in maturity, a delicate shade resembling the color of cinnamon is noticeable.
Edible: an edible mushroom, but mild poisoning has been reported. Apparently, this is due to the fact that the fruit body was collected in ecologically polluted places – near highways, factories and other industrial enterprises.
Similarities and differences: this ryadovka can sometimes be confused with a smoky talker. However, the latter is distinguished by a loose cotton pulp and plates descending along the leg. In addition, the talker has a strong perfumery smell, while the pulp of the violet lepista has a delicate floral aroma. In addition, this mushroom is very similar to the edible Tricholoma truncatum. Both of these species have almost the same smell and color, but the violet row has a higher stem. However, even if you confuse these mushrooms, then you should not have a cause for concern. The truncated row is an edible species with good taste. It is also known to be edible fresh and pickled.
Distribution and application of violet row
Distribution: European countries, as well as North America. In Russia, the violet rower can be found in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, as well as in the Amur Region. Grows in groups or rows, choosing mixed, coniferous and deciduous forests. Occurs in autumn (end of August-October), forming 'witch's rings'.
The peak of mushroom collection is in September-early October.
If weather conditions permit, then the fruiting body can be found even in November and December. In this case, you need to pay special attention to open places: the edge of the forest, forest edges and meadows. It grows simultaneously with the purple row (Lepista nuda) – an edible mushroom. Both species are often found in the same locations.
Application: there are many processing options for violet row mushrooms. Most often they are pickled, salted and fried. Sometimes housewives freeze the fruit body for the winter. The mushroom requires preliminary boiling for 20 minutes.
The given photos and description of the violet ryadovka mushroom will help you thoroughly prepare for the mushroom picking and not miss a single edible mushroom.
However, never forget the main rule when collecting fruit bodies: 'if you are not sure – do not take it!'.
