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Baorangia bicolor, commonly known as the Bicolor Bolete, is a mycorrhizal fungus found in eastern North America. It is edible, though some report it can cause gastrointestinal upset. It is often confused with poisonous lookalikes, so caution is advised when foraging.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically convex, dry, and ranges in color from pinkish-red to reddish-brown. It can fade to tan or yellowish with age. The cap surface is usually smooth but can become cracked in age.
- Gills
- Instead of gills, it has pores. The pores are small and round, initially yellow, becoming more yellowish-green with age. They bruise blue when handled.
- Stem
- The stem is usually club-shaped, yellow, and often has a reddish or pinkish hue, especially towards the base. It may have a fine network of ridges (reticulation) near the top.
- Flesh
- The flesh is yellow, sometimes staining blue when cut or bruised, especially in the cap. This bluing reaction can be variable.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Baorangia bicolor is a mushroom with a cap and a stem. It is a bolete, meaning it has pores instead of gills under the cap.
- Habitat
- It is found in hardwood forests, particularly with oak, during the summer and fall months. It forms mycorrhizal relationships with trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, smooth, may crack with age
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Olive-brown
- Body color: Reddish-pink cap, yellow stem
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: Sometimes blue
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
Mild ToxicityWhile Baorangia bicolor is generally considered edible, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. It is crucial to positively identify this mushroom and rule out any poisonous lookalikes before consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and fungal
- Fruiting: Summer to Fall
- Substrate: Hardwood forests, especially with oak
Where to Find
Eastern North America
This mushroom is commonly found in eastern North America, particularly in hardwood forests.
Finding Tips
Look for Oak Trees
Since Bicolor Boletes form mycorrhizal relationships with oak trees, searching near oak forests can increase your chances of finding them.
Check During Summer and Fall
These mushrooms typically fruit during the summer and fall months, so plan your foraging trips accordingly.
Similar Species
Boletus sensibilis
mushroom
Also known as: The Sensitive Bolete
Boletus miniato-olivaceus
mushroom
Also known as: None
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Boletaceae
- Genus
- Baorangia
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3-5 days
How to Clean
To clean a Bicolor Bolete, gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing them unless necessary, as they can become waterlogged. If washing is required, do so quickly and pat them dry immediately.
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