Xerocomus is a group of fungi belonging to the Boleaceae family. Mostly, it involves edible fungi. Its study is somewhat difficult as a result of the existing confusion of this species with others, such as the Boletus, to the point that some consider it quite close to this.
Xerocomus habitat
This genus of fungi is seen essentially in broadleaf or mixed forests, in green areas and especially with beechFagus) and occasionally with Oak trees (Quercus). This fungus is very widespread, but the true characteristics of its distribution are somewhat confusing and have not yet been fully accepted by researchers.
Different species of the genus Xerocomus
Despite the common name Xerocomus, it is necessary check all its features carefully. For this reason, some of the species of this genus and their characteristic features are presented below.
Xerocomus ferrugineus
It is also known as boletus aereus. It has a very characteristic stem, with a ribbed appearance and a delicately velvety hat in its young stage. This mushroom is distinguished from others by its non-bluish flesh, its kinship with conifers, its yellowish basal mycelium and its greenish coloration when reacting with ammonia.
To date it has not yet been clarified whether the North American and European species of Xerocomus ferrugineus they are the same. What is clear is that this group of species needs more studies and research.
Xerocomus subtomentosus
It is a classic species that was described in the mid-XNUMXth century by the researcher Linnaeus, who in this regard said that it was a velvety hat mushroom and yellow stem.
At present, the Xerocomus subtomentosus presents a sub-velvety hat that goes from yellow to brownIts stem sometimes becomes elongated and usually shows small reddish granites and whitish basal mycelium, when the meat is cut it turns bluish. Upon contact with a drop of ammonia, the mushroom cap turns dark red.
Both the fungus Xerocomus ferrugineus such as Xerocomus subtomentosus they may look similar. The first one also turns green with ammonia, although this grows under conifers and is generally slightly larger and generally has a clearly lined, rather than reticulated stem.
Xerocomus illudens
This is a species typical of eastern North America, due to its peculiar small size, the wide mesh reticulum in the upper part of its stem, absence of blue tonality on the surface and flesh.
Upon contact with a drop of ammonia, your cap or hat turns blue-green. The porosity of its yellow surface becomes greenish. However, the description of the Xerocomus illudens is equally applicable to Xerocomus tenaxTherefore, it is important to add the following characteristics to differentiate them, and it is that in this fungus the hat is usually redder, the stem more yellow and less reticulated.
Xerocomellus chrysenteron
El Xerocomellus chrysenteron It shows a brown hat that turns greenish in color, since from early on it develops a cracked surface revealing its pink interior. Its size varies from small to mediumWhile its stem is usually longer, it prefers hardwoods.
Xerocomellus rubelli
Definitely for many years confusion has prevailed about the species called Xerocomellus rubellus, since this is a fairly small species, with a red cap and a porous surface with blue tones.
El Xerocomellus rubellus It is one of the rare species of Xerocomellus that shows spots of shades ranging from red to orange inside the base of the stem. It may be necessary to use a manual magnifying glass to ensure this feature., with some recent samples that guarantee that the meat inside has not deteriorated or lost its color.
Xerocomellus bubalinus
This fungus has orange pulp and is opaque at the base of the stipe. It has smooth, gently embedded spores from the hat cuticle and grows with lime (Tilia) or poplars (Populus), especially in urban areas.