About this fungus
Matt Bolete is a fungus in the Boletaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A dark chestnut to wine-brown bolete with a fine hoary matt bloom, yellow pores and a yellow stem usually dotted or washed red below.
What to check
Look for a dry felted or finely frosted cap, large angular yellow pores that bruise blue-green, bright yellow flesh and a yellow stem with fine red dots. The cap usually stays uncracked; if it cracks, the exposed flesh is yellow rather than coral-red. There is no ring or volva.
Variation
Young caps may be almost black-brown or purplish beneath the bloom, then become chestnut or reddish brown as it wears away. Pore blueing varies with age, and old caps occasionally develop small cracks.
Lookalikes
Xerocomellus chrysenteron more often cracks widely to reveal pink-red flesh. Other Xerocomellus species can share brown caps, yellow pores and blueing, and microscopy may be needed. Western North American mushrooms historically called X. pruinatus include distinct regional species.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal in European broadleaf and mixed woodland, especially with beech on chalk or limestone soils. Similar-looking North American records need regional treatment rather than automatic use of the European name.
Food safety
Edible.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.
Photographs
Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 4.0
Andreas Kunze / CC BY-SA 3.0