How to identify Bovine Bolete

To correctly identify Bovine Bolete (Suillus bovinus), 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.

   The cap is typically 4-12 cm (1.5-4.7 inches) in diameter, convex to broadly convex or nearly flat in maturity. The color ranges from yellowish-brown to orange-brown, sometimes with olive or reddish tints. The surface is distinctly slimy or viscid when moist, becoming shiny when dry. The margin is often incurved when young, becoming wavy or irregular with age. The cuticle is easily peelable.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Instead of gills, Suillus bovinus has a pore surface. The pores are angular, large, and radially elongated, appearing somewhat labyrinthine or maze-like, especially near the stem. They are initially yellowish, becoming olive-yellow to brownish-yellow with age, and often stain greenish-blue or brownish when bruised. The tubes are decurrent (running down the stem) and concolorous with the pores.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-10 cm (1.2-3.9 inches) long and 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) thick, cylindrical or slightly tapering towards the base. It is solid, yellowish to brownish, often paler than the cap, and lacks a ring (annulus). The surface can be smooth or finely granular, sometimes with reddish-brown streaks or dots, especially towards the base.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is pale yellow to yellowish-white, soft, and often stains faintly pinkish or bluish when cut or bruised, especially in the stem base. It has a mild, sometimes slightly fruity odor and a mild taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a typical bolete shape, consisting of a cap and a central stem. It is generally medium-sized.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Suillus bovinus is mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship exclusively with pine trees (Pinus species). It is commonly found growing solitarily or in scattered groups on the ground in pine forests, plantations, and heathlands where pines are present. It prefers sandy or acidic soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Viscid/slimy when moist, shiny when dry, easily peelable cuticle

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered or gregarious

Spore Print

Olive-brown to yellowish-brown

Body color

Yellowish-brown to orange-brown cap, yellowish pores, yellowish stem

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

Faintly pinkish or bluish, especially in stem base

Height

3-10 cm (1.2-3.9 inches)

Cap Diameter

4-12 cm (1.5-4.7 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent (pores)
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or slightly tapering towards base
• Stem surface: Smooth or finely granular, sometimes with reddish-brown streaks
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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