fungi · GBIF taxon 5954958
Boletus edulis
boletus edulisAlso known as King Bolete, Porcini, Cep, Penny Bun
King boletes form mutually beneficial mycorrhizal relationships with the roots of various trees, particularly spruces, pines, and birches. These robust fungi produce a classic bun-shaped, greasy brown cap supported by a thick, bulbous stalk covered in a fine, white network pattern called reticulation. Instead of gills, the underside of the cap features a dense layer of vertical pores that transition from white to yellow-green as the spores mature.
MycorrhizalForest-DwellingAutumn-Fruiting
1 / 7- diet
- Mycorrhizal partner exchanging soil nutrients for tree sugars
- family
- Boletaceae
- threats
- Deforestation, soil compaction, and loss of host tree species
- life Span
- Underground mycelium lives for decades; fruiting bodies last one to two weeks
LC
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
- Check the Stems: Look for a fine, white, raised net-like pattern called reticulation on the upper stalk.
- Inspect the Pores: Examine the underside of the cap to ensure it has pores rather than gills.
- Observe the Color Change: Cut the flesh to see if it remains white, as many toxic boletes bruise blue.