Suillellus luridus

Suillellus luridus

Suillellus luridus (= Boletus luridus) is, amongst the several species of red colored Boletaceae, the one that has red color just in the net on the stipe and that its color quickly turns to blue when it is cut and in contact with air. It can grow until 20 cm of cap diameter. It has fine pores beneath, like a sponge. At the beginning, pores are yellow, but they discolor to reddish when ageing and to blue with rub. Pores do not contact the stipe. The stipe is thick, though not as thick as other species of Boletus with also big caps.

Suillellus luridus is found in planifolia forests. In the district of Bages, it’s found mainly in green oak woods. Suillellus luridus is edible. However, it is poor quality and it can be mistaken by toxic Boletus species like B.satanas; therefore better to avoid.

[photos Jordi Badia]