Boletes.
Bolete is a generic name for fleshy cap and stalk mushrooms with pores instead of gills.
Initially in the single Boletus genus their classification is still changing.
There are over 300 species and 200 varieties with many other species that look like them.
Microscopy of certain cells and the spores is essential for identification.
They are in an increasing number of genera.
Boletes are common mushrooms and most form symbiotic relationships with tree roots.
The Boletus genus alone has over 100 species.
Bolete mushrooms.
The young cap is convex with the edge turned downwards.
It flattens with age and can grow to a diameter of 35 cm.
The thick cap may be red, white, brown or grey.
The cap is mostly composed of vertical tubes that open on the lower surface as pores.
This gives the pale surface a spongy appearance.
On young caps the pores are difficult to see but easier in older caps with a darker surface.
The pore layer is attached to the top of the stem.
It cannot be removed without causing damage, unlike true gills which are easy to remove.
The stem may be club shaped being wider at the bottom.
It is large and thick in relation to the cap.
It is reddish-brown to whitish.
The upper part of the stem is covered with a fine raised coloured network or reticulum.
The smooth or ridged lower part of the stem may be white or coloured.
Porcini mushrooms are boletes.
J.F.
