Bitter beech bolete

Caloboletus calopus

A species of Bitter boletes.

The plump bitter beech bolete (Caloboletus calopus) stands out due to its striking red stalk, a characteristic reflected in its Latin name, calopus, meaning pretty foot. This species tends to grow in clusters and is commonly observed on calcareous ground beneath beech trees, from which it derives part of its name.

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Attributes Classification Toxicity Similar Mushrooms

Attributes of Bitter beech bolete

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Cap Diameter
15 - 20 cm
Height
8 - 12 cm
Cap
Cap 15 - 20 cm across; convex to flat; pale gray to pale brown; surface smooth
Cap Shape
Convex, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly, Smooth
Stem
Stem 7 - 15 cm long, 2 - 5 cm thick; yellow, pink-red; with a straw-coloured network
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
With Reticulum
Flesh
Pale straw yellow; turns pale yellow and blue when cut
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Olive-brown
Odor
Strong, unpleasant fungal aroma.
Body Color
GreenRedGrayCream
Flesh Bruises
Discolor to blue
Growth Form
Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
You can find Bitter beech bolete by these plants
Oaks, Pines, Spruces, European beech
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland
Species Status
Fairly common
Endangered Species
No

Scientific Classification of Bitter beech bolete

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Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Boletes and allies
Family
Boletes
Genus
Bitter boletes
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Toxicity and Edibility of Bitter beech bolete

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Is Bitter beech bolete Toxic?

The identification of Bitter Beech Bolete (Boletus calopus) indicates it is unsuitable for consumption, primarily due to its distinct bitter flavor. Ingesting this mushroom carries the risk of inducing gastrointestinal distress. Its typical habitat includes neutral or alkaline soils, where it grows in close association with beech trees, various deciduous oak species, and occasionally beneath pine and spruce. This fungus establishes an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with the roots of these trees. Furthermore, there's a significant danger of mistaking it for the considerably more poisonous Rubroboletus satanas. Consequently, it is strongly recommended to avoid consuming Bitter Beech Bolete.

Type of poisoning
Gastrointestinal
Toxic Severity
Low toxicity
Incubation Period
0.5-4 hours
Poisoning Symptoms
Experience of minor digestive upset in the stomach and intestines.

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