Community find

Porcini

Boletus edulis

Group

Bolete

Season

Late summer to autumn, typically after periods of rain.

Habitat

Typically mycorrhizal, forming symbiotic relationships with a variety of trees, including conifers (pine, spruce, fir) and hardwoods (oak, birch, beech, chestnut). Found growing on the ground in woodlands and forests.

Key characteristics

Cap: 7-30 cm, convex to broadly convex or almost flat, smooth to slightly wrinkled, sticky when moist, color varies from reddish-brown, brown, to yellowish-brown. Pores: White becoming yellowish or olive-brown with age, typically depressed around the stem. Stem: 5-25 cm long, 2-7 cm thick, robust, club-shaped or bulbous when young, becoming more cylindrical with age, whitish to brownish, often covered with a fine white network (reticulation) near the top. Flesh: White, firm, unchaning when cut. Spore print: Olive-brown.

Look-alikes

Similar looking species include Tylopilus felleus (Bitter Bolete), which has pinkish pores and very bitter taste, and B. aestivalis (Summer Bolete) or B. pinophilus (Pine Bolete), which are closely related species of Porcini. Distinguishing features often involve pore color, stem reticulation, and habitat.

Ecological role

Mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship with tree roots, enhancing the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients while receiving sugars from the tree. This mutualistic relationship is vital for the health of many forest ecosystems.