Viscid Larch Bolete

Description

Suillus viscidus is a distinct member of the Suillus genus, specifically associated with larch (Larix) trees. It is characterized by its exceptionally slimy cap, granular stem, and yellowish pores that often bruise greenish-blue. It is an ectomycorrhizal fungus, forming a essential symbiotic relationship with its host trees.

How to Identify

Cap

The cap is 3-12 cm (1.2-4.7 inches) in diameter, convex to broadly convex, becoming plano-convex or almost flat with age. It is notably viscid (slimy) to glutinous, especially when wet, and often dries to a shiny finish. The color ranges from yellowish-brown, greyish-brown to olive-brown. The margin is often incurved when young, becoming wavy with age, and sometimes features remnants of a veil.

Gills

Not gilled; instead, it has a porous hymenium. The pore surface is yellowish to greenish-yellow, becoming brownish-orange with age. Pores are angular and radially elongated, 0.5-1 mm wide. Tubes are decurrent (running down the stem), concolorous with the pores, and 7-15 mm deep. The pore surface may stain greenish-blue when bruised, though this reaction can be slow or subtle.

Stem

The stem is 4-10 cm (1.6-3.9 inches) long and 1-2.5 cm (0.4-1 inch) thick, often tapering slightly towards the base or equal. It is whitish or yellowish above the ring, becoming brownish to greyish below, and typically covered in granular dots (glandular dots) which darken with age. It possesses a membranous, whitish veil that leaves a distinct, persistent, often upward-curving ring (annulus) on the upper part of the stem, which can become dark from falling spores.

Flesh

The flesh is thick, soft, and yellowish-white, sometimes darkening to a dingy yellow or brownish when cut or bruised, particularly in the stem base. It may show a slight blueing reaction in some parts, but this is usually faint or absent.

Fruiting body

The fruiting body is typically robust, growing solitary or scattered, but sometimes in clusters. It is a bolete, meaning it has pores instead of gills.

Habitat

Typically found growing on the ground, singly or in scattered groups, exclusively under larch (Larix) trees, usually in mossy areas or needle litter in coniferous or mixed forests. It forms an obligate ectomycorrhizal association with larch.

Key Facts

• Cap surfaces: Viscid to glutinous, drying shiny; yellowish-brown to olive-brown.
• Growth Form: Solitary, scattered, or in small groups.
• Spore Print: Olive-brown to cinnamon-brown.
• Body color: Overall yellowish-brown to olive-brown cap, yellowish pores, whitish to brownish stem with granular dots.
• Odor: Mild and pleasant; some describe it as slightly fruity.
• Flesh bruises: Faintly greenish-blue on pores, sometimes subtly bluish in cap flesh, otherwise yellowish-white to dingy yellow.
• Height: 4-10 cm (1.6-3.9 inches) for stem.
• Cap Diameter: 3-12 cm (1.2-4.7 inches).
• Nutrient gathering: Ectomycorrhizal with Larix (larch) trees.

Quick Check

• Odor: Mild, slightly fruity or indistinct; not strong or unpleasant.
• Fruiting: Late summer to late autumn.
• Substrate: Terrestrial, always mycorrhizal with Larix (larch) trees.

Where to Find

Finding Tips

Similar Species

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Basidiomycota

Class

Agaricomycetes

Order

Boletales

Family

Suillaceae

Genus

Suillus

Storage Information

• Max Temperature: 4°C
• Freezing duration: 6 months
• Min Temperature: 0°C
• Refrigeration: 5 days

How to Clean

Due to its viscid cap, it is highly recommended to peel the cap cuticle before cooking, as it can be tough, indigestible, and contribute to gastric upset. The tube layer can also be removed, especially in older specimens, to improve texture and reduce sliminess. Wipe the stem clean of debris with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Explore Viscid Larch Bolete