Bolete

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iBolete

Boletus edulis

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Homobasidiomycetes
Order:	Boletales
Family:	Boletaceae
Genus:	Boletus Fr., 1821

A bolete is a type of fungal fruiting body characterized by the presence of a pileus that is clearly differentiated from the stipe, with a spongy surface of pores (rather than gills) on the underside of the pileus. "Bolete" can also refer to a basidiomycete species characterized by a bolete-type fruiting body.

1 Taxonomy
2 Ecology
3 Edibility
4 List of species
5 References

[edit] Taxonomy

The boletes are classified in the Boletales, however not all members of the order are boletes due to the effects of molecular phylogeny on mushroom taxonomy. Similar pore surfaces exist in the polyporales and other other orders, but these species usually lack the overall physical structure of boletes, have much firmer (often woody) flesh, or are otherwise differentiated.

The genus Boletus was originally broadly defined and described by Elias Magnus Fries in 1821, essentially containing all fungi with pores. Since then, gradually other genera have been defined, such as Tylopilus by Karsten in 1881, and old names such as Leccinum resurrected or redefined.

Some mushrooms listed in older books as members of the genus have now been placed in separate genera. These include such as Boletus scaber, now Leccinum scabrum, Tylopilus felleus and Suillus luteus.

[edit] Ecology

Boletes are generally found in woodlands. Interestingly, there are both parasites that live on other fungi, Boletus parasiticus which grows on Scleroderma citrinum, and at least one fungus, the Bolete eater (Hypomyces chrysospermum) found in South western Australia, which grows on boletes^[1].

[edit] Edibility

The genus Boletus contains many members which are edible and tasty, not the least of which is the famed Boletus edulis, though many others are eaten as well, such as Boletus badius, Boletus aereus and others. None are deadly poisonous, though many are bitter tasting and inedible, such as Boletus calopus.

The most poisonous member known thus far is Boletus satanas.