About this fungus
Ruby Bolete is a fungus in the Boletaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A heavy, pale-capped bolete with a rosy flush, red to orange pores and a red network on the stem.
What to check
Photograph the cap, pores and complete stem, then cut it lengthways to record the blue reaction. Note the raised stem network and nearby trees.
Variation
Young caps may be grey-white before developing pink or red areas. Pore and stem colours deepen with age.
Lookalikes
Other Rubroboletus and Suillellus species overlap closely. Some are poisonous, and microscopy may be needed for rare or atypical material.
Habitat and range
A European ectomycorrhizal species of warm oak and beech woodland, usually on neutral to acidic soils. It is uncommon and locally threatened.
Food safety
Poisonous.
Photographs
Photo: Patrick Bayan · CC BY 4.0Species to compare
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