Green body formation characterization

Sesquiterpenoids are widespread metabolites of the Basidiomycetes. Lactarius species (milk or ink caps) are common Basidiomycetes that are found growing in woodlands. They are characterized by a latex which is exuded when the fruiting body is cut or broken. The colour and taste of the latex is of taxonomic significance. The latex of the edible species, Lactarius deliciosus, is at first carrot-coloured. On exposure to air it then darkens and turns a green-blue colour. The colour has been associated with the formation of an azulene, lac-taroviolin (5.55), which arises by the aerial oxidation of a dihydroazulene. 

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