Boletus curtisii

Boletus curtisii is a species of mushroom belonging to the Boletaceae family, which is part of the larger order of Boletales. This mushroom is primarily found in North America, particularly in the eastern regions where it grows in a symbiotic relationship with hardwood trees. The species is named after M.A. Curtis, an American botanist who made significant contributions to mycology in the 19th century.

Description

Boletus curtisii features a cap that can range in color from yellow to brown, and it typically measures between 5 to 15 cm in diameter. The cap surface is smooth and becomes sticky when wet. Underneath the cap, the pores are small and round, changing color from white to yellow or greenish with age. The stipe (stem) is usually slender, measuring 4 to 8 cm in height, and is colored similarly to the cap but may feature a reddish or brownish hue towards the base.

Habitat and Distribution

This species prefers deciduous forests, especially those dominated by oak and beech trees. Boletus curtisii forms mycorrhizal relationships with these trees, a mutualistic association where the fungus exchanges minerals and water absorbed from the soil for sugars produced by the tree through photosynthesis. It is most commonly found during the late summer to fall months.

Edibility

While Boletus curtisii is not considered toxic, its edibility is often described as mediocre or not recommended due to its texture and flavor. Mushroom foragers typically pass over this species in search of more desirable culinary mushrooms.

Conservation

There are no known significant threats to Boletus curtisii, and it is not listed on any conservation lists. However, like many fungi, its presence is dependent on the health of its habitat, particularly the forests and the trees it forms associations with.

See Also

• Mycorrhiza
• Boletaceae
• Mycology