Leccinum scabrum
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The birch bolete (Leccinum scabrum) is an edible mushroom in the family Boletaceae, and was formerly classified as Boletus scaber. The birch bolete is widespread in Europe, as well as elsewhere, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring only in mycorrhizal association with birch trees. It fruits from June to October; its common names include rough-stemmed bolete, scaber stalk, and birch bolete.[1][2]
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[edit] Description
The pileus is 5–15 cm (2–6 in.) wide. At first, it is hemispherical, and later becomes flatter. The skin of the cap is light gray-brown to reddish gray-brown, later often more or less brown, smooth, bald, dry, and rather slimy when damp.
The pores are white at a young age, later gray. In older specimens, the pores on the pileus can bulge out, while around the stipe they dent in strongly. The pore covering is easy to remove from the skin of the pileus.
The stipe is 5–15 cm (2–6 in.) long and 1–3.5 cm (3⁄8–13⁄8 in.) wide, slim, with white and dark to black flakes, and tapers upward. The basic mycelium is white.
The flesh is whitish, later more gray-white and does not change color when broken. In young specimens, the meat is relatively firm, but it very soon becomes spongey and holds water, especially in rainy weather. When cooked, the meat of the birch bolete turns black.
L. scabrum has been found in association with ornamental birch trees planted outside of its native range, such as in California.[3]
[edit] Similar species
Several different species of Leccinum mushrooms are found in mycorrhiza with birches, and can be confused by amateurs and mycologists alike. L. variicolor has a bluish stipe. L. oxydabile has firmer, pinkish flesh and a different pileus skin structure. L. melaneum is darker in color and has yellowish hues under the skin of the pileus and stipe. L. holopus is paler and whitish in all parts.
[edit] Uses
The birch bolete is edible and is especially enjoyable pickled in brine or vinegar. It is used also in mixed mushroom dishes, fried or steamed.
[edit] References
- ^ Fergus, C. Leonard & Charles (2003). Common Edible & Poisonous Mushrooms of the Northeast. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 51–52. ISBN 0-8117-2641-X.
- ^ Arora D. (1986). Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi. Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. pp. 541–542. ISBN 0898151694.
- ^ "Leccinum scabrum". California Fungi. http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Leccinum_scabrum.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
- Kallenbach: Die Röhrlinge (Boletaceae), Leipzig, Klinkhardt, (1940–42)
- Gerhardt, Ewald: Pilze. Band 2: Röhrlinge, Porlinge, Bauchpilze, Schlauchpilze und andere, (Spektrum der Natur BLV Intensiv), (1985)
[edit] External links
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- This article incorporates information from the revision as of 3 February 2006 of the equivalent article on the German Wikipedia.
