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Tylopilus felleus, commonly known as the Bitter Bolete or the Fel Gall Bolete, is a bolete fungus, and the type species of the genus Tylopilus. Its flesh has a very bitter taste, rendering it inedible.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically convex, 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter, and varies in color from pale tan to dark brown. The surface is smooth and dry, and often has a velvety texture when young.
- Gills
- The pore surface is white when young, but turns pinkish as the mushroom matures. The pores are small and round.
- Stem
- The stem is stout, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, and 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) thick. It is typically the same color as the cap, and has a prominent network of raised ridges (reticulation) near the top.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white, but turns pinkish when cut or bruised. It has a very bitter taste.
- Fruiting body
- The fruit body is a mushroom with a cap and a stem. The cap is typically convex, and the stem is stout and central.
- Habitat
- Tylopilus felleus is found in coniferous and deciduous forests, typically in late summer and autumn. It is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, velvety when young.
- Growth Form: Solitary or scattered.
- Spore Print: Pinkish-brown.
- Body color: Tan to dark brown.
- Odor: Not distinctive.
- Flesh bruises: Pinkish.
- Height: 5-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal.
Safe
SafeWhile not poisonous, Tylopilus felleus is inedible due to its extremely bitter taste, which can ruin a dish if even a small amount is used.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive.
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn.
- Substrate: Soil in coniferous and deciduous forests.
Where to Find
Europe
Common throughout Europe.
North America
Found in eastern North America, but less common than in Europe.
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for it in coniferous and deciduous forests.
Season
Typically found in late summer and autumn.
Similar Species
Tylopilus indecisus
Mushroom
Also known as: Undecided Bolete
Boletus badius
Mushroom
Also known as: Bay Bolete
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Boletaceae
- Genus
- Tylopilus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Not applicable, as this mushroom is inedible due to its bitter taste.
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