The purple violet colors of the pileus (and some tints on the stipe as well) will distinguish this taxon from those others with similar reddish to pinkish colors (R. mallophora & R. montivaga). Again, first described from Tierra del Fuego, Singer (Beih. Nova Hedwigia 29: 353. 1969) indicates that it is frequent throughout the Nothofagus zone of South America.