Phylloporus rhodoxanthus

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Phylloporus rhodoxanthus, commonly known as the gilled bolete, is a distinctive species of mushroom belonging to the Boletaceae family. This species is notable for its unique combination of features typically associated with both the bolete fungi, due to its pored surface, and gilled mushrooms, given its lamellae or gills under the cap, which is an unusual characteristic within its family. The name Phylloporus rhodoxanthus itself reflects this duality, with Phylloporus indicating "leaf-pore" and rhodoxanthus translating to "rose-yellow", describing its striking coloration.

Description

Phylloporus rhodoxanthus features a cap that ranges from 4 to 10 cm in diameter, initially convex before flattening out with age. The cap's surface is smooth and often becomes sticky when wet, displaying a vibrant yellow to orange color, sometimes with reddish tones. The gills, which are a rare trait among boletes, are yellow and can turn greenish with age or upon bruising. The stem is typically 4 to 8 cm tall and 1 to 2 cm thick, colored similarly to the cap but may feature reddish tones at the base.

The spore print of Phylloporus rhodoxanthus is distinctive, often a bright yellow, which helps in its identification. Its spores are ellipsoid and smooth, contributing to its classification within the Boletaceae family despite its gilled appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

Phylloporus rhodoxanthus is found in wooded areas, favoring oak and pine forests, where it forms mycorrhizal relationships with the roots of trees, aiding in nutrient exchange. This species is predominantly found in North America, particularly in eastern regions, but it also occurs in other parts of the world, including parts of Asia and Central America, indicating a broad ecological range.

Edibility

The edibility of Phylloporus rhodoxanthus is a subject of debate among mycologists and foragers. While not considered toxic, its taste is reported to be unremarkable or slightly bitter, and it is not widely regarded as a choice edible mushroom. As with all wild mushrooms, caution is advised when identifying and consuming Phylloporus rhodoxanthus, due to the risk of confusion with potentially harmful species.

Conservation

As of the current knowledge, Phylloporus rhodoxanthus does not face any immediate threats that would warrant conservation concern. However, like many fungi, its presence is dependent on the health of its woodland habitats, making it susceptible to the effects of deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

See Also

• Boletaceae
• Mycorrhiza
• Spore print