Xerocomus illudens

Appearance

The cap is initially convex before flattening out in maturity, and attains a diameter of 3–9 cm . The cap surface is dry, with a velvety to slightly hairy texture. The color in young specimens is pale brownish-yellow, changing gradually to yellow-brown or pinkish in maturity. The flesh is pale yellow, has no distinctive taste or odor, and, unlike many bolete species, does not turn blue when cut or injured. The pore surface on the underside of the cap is lemon yellow, and pores number about 1–2 per millimeter . The tubes comprising the hymenophore are 0.8–1.6 cm deep. The stem is 3–9 cm long by 0.5–1.3 cm thick, tapering somewhat near the base. It is solid , dry, yellow, and marked by longitudinal grooves that form a partial reticulum .

''Xerocomus illudens'' produces an olive to olive-brown spore print. The spores are elliptical to spindle-shaped, smooth, and measure 10–14 by 4–5 μm. Fruit bodies are edible. They can be used in mushroom dyeing, and produce colors such as beige , or light gold, depending on the mordant used.

Distribution

''Xerocomus illudens'' is a mycorrhizal fungus, and forms mutually beneficial associations with oak. Its fruit bodies grow singly, scattered, or in groups on the ground, in forests of oak or oak-pine. Fruiting occurs from July to October. In North America, its distribution extends from eastern Canada south to South Carolina, and west to Alabama and Minnesota. It has also been recorded in India, from Ramna Forest in the Burdwan District of West Bengal, and in the Himalayas.

Habitat

''Xerocomus illudens'' is a mycorrhizal fungus, and forms mutually beneficial associations with oak. Its fruit bodies grow singly, scattered, or in groups on the ground, in forests of oak or oak-pine. Fruiting occurs from July to October. In North America, its distribution extends from eastern Canada south to South Carolina, and west to Alabama and Minnesota. It has also been recorded in India, from Ramna Forest in the Burdwan District of West Bengal, and in the Himalayas.