How to identify Pinewood King Bolete

To correctly identify Pinewood King Bolete (Boletus pinophilus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Reddish-brown, convex when young, flattening with age. The surface can be smooth or slightly wrinkled.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   N/A (boletes have pores instead of gills). Pores are small, round, and white when young, turning yellowish or greenish with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Thick, sturdy, and club-shaped. It is usually lighter in color than the cap and has a reticulated pattern.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White, may stain slightly blue when cut, especially in the stem.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Large and fleshy, typically found near pine trees.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Coniferous forests, particularly under pine trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth or slightly wrinkled

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

Olive-brown

Body color

Reddish-brown cap, lighter stem

Odor

Pleasant, mushroomy

Flesh bruises

May stain slightly blue

Height

10-20 cm

Cap Diameter

10-30 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (boletes have pores instead of gills)
• Stem shape: Club-shaped to cylindrical
• Stem surface: Reticulated (net-like pattern)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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