Xerocomus rubellus (= Hortiboletus rubellus) is a beautifully coloured in red, yellow and blue species of mushroom in the Boletaceae family.
Xerocomus rubellus is a large, fluffy mushroom with a hemispherical cap that gradually flattens out, often retaining some convexity. The cuticle is more or less deep red, shiny or matte, and more or less fissured according to the age of the specimens and the humidity. Underneath it has a detachable from the flesh sponge of 5-10 mm yellow tubes ending in also yellow, edged pores of about 1 mm in diameter. These tubes become shorter near the stem. The large size and angular shape of the pores is a trait that distinguishes Xerocomus rubellus from similar species such as Suillellus luridus (= Boletus luridus). If touched or pressed, the pores quickly turn blue. The stem always thins at the base, sometimes swells or curves in the centre, and usually it is yellow at both ends and red in the middle. The flesh is yellow, although if cut it slowly turns blue.
Xerocomus rubellus appears mainly near to paths crossing holm oaks and oaks forests.
Despite its popular Catalan name of “mataparent” (= relative killer) and its deterrent colours, Xerocomus rubellus is not toxic, although it is not appreciated either and can easily be confused with toxic species of Boletaceae.
[photos Jordi Badia]