Gyroporus f/k/a castaneus (“Chestnut Bolete”)

Stem stuffed with ““cotton” & hollow when old.” Flesh is hard and brittle. Brown cap edges often split & flare w/age.

SKU: Gyroporus castaneus Categories: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Description

Genus: Gyroporus

Species: borealis (North) or smithii (South)

  • Species (Old): castaneus

Common Name: “Chestnut Bolete”

Tells: Stem stuffed with ““cotton” & hollow when old.” Flesh is hard and brittle. Brown cap edges often split & flare w/age.

Other Information: DNA testing tells us the U.S. has two lookalike species, borealis in the north and smithii in the south. The two are indistinguishable for practical purposes.

Science Notes: DNA evidence has divided the classic European species (G. castaneus) away from its American counterpart, which has itself been divided into versions: G. borealis (which grows in northern regions) and G. smithii (which grows to the south). There is, of course, a massive area of overlap where both species grow.

Edibility: Choice to most, good to the rest.

CHEMICAL TESTS:

  • NH4OH (Ammonia): Cap skin turns amber-orange. Cap flesh may turn pale brown, but not reliably.
  • KOH: Cap skin may be negative or may turn yellow before fading to white. Cap flesh may turn pale brown, but not reliably.
  • FeSO4 (Iron Salts): Cap skin does not react. Cap flesh may turn pale brown, but not reliably.

Links:

National Audubon Society Field guide to Mushrooms, Gary Lincoff 0 Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians 331 North American Boletes 189 209

Got something to discuss?


Guest
Tyler
6 years 2 months ago

I do believe this mushroom is found on Long Island, NY. I have eaten them from my lawn, and also seen them on the edges of Oak and Beech forests here on the South Fork. They are delicious.

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Scott Pavelle
6 years 2 months ago

I just checked and it is now listed in the Long Island Mycological Club records. The change has been made. Thanks for the heads-up.

Guest
Sammy
4 years 6 months ago

Found in Louisiana as well