Species of fungus
Species of fungus
Boletus nobilis, the noble bolete, is a species of edible basidiomycete mushroom of the genus Boletus found in eastern United States. Morphologically close to Boletus edulis, it is distinguished by an elongated stem, a beige skin and white pores, even when old.
Taxonomy
The species was described as Boletus nobilis by Peck in 1910.[1] For many years Boletus nobilis was considered a subspecies or form of Boletus edulis. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that Boletus nobilis is a separate species and a member of a clade closely related to Boletus separans.[2]
Morphology
Basidiocarp: as with other boletes, the size of the fruitbody is variable, but it does not reach the prominence of Boletus edulis. Flesh is "thin even in very large specimens"
Hymenium: pores white, even when old, without the "greenish tint" of B. edulis. Pores not depressed around the stipe.
Pileus:7-20cm wide, convex becoming plane with age, dry, with a yellowish to reddish brown skin, lighter in the center of the cap, becoming lighter with age to pale ochraceous.
Stipe: the stipe is elongated, sometimes bulbous, and its general color white, sometimes "with a lilaceous tinge". It is finely reticulated below the hymenium, the reticulation being shallow.
Spore print: dull ochre brown to dull rusty brown.[3][4]
Distribution and habitat
Boletus nobilis is found under oak and beech trees on the East Coast of the United States: Appalachia, Pennsylvania, Ohio from summer to fall.[3][5]
Edibility
Boletus nobilis is edible, but not as desirable as the lookalike boletes.[3] It can be preserved and cooked or frozen.
