Pseudoboletus parasiticus


Pseudoboletus parasiticus, previously known as Boletus parasiticus and Xerocomus parasiticus, and commonly known as the parasitic bolete, is a rare bolete mushroom found on Scleroderma citrinum earthballs in North America.

Taxonomy

Pseudoboletus parasiticus is one of the earliest-diverging lineages of the Boletaceae, after the clade comprising Chalciporus and Buchwaldoboletus.

Description

The cap is hemispherical when young, later flat, yellowish brown or darker and up to wide. The yellow stem is tall and thick. The flesh is pale yellow and the spore print is olive brown.

Habitat and distribution

It can be found found growing on Scleroderma citrinum earthballs in eastern North America from July to September.

Edibility

While edible, it is not recommended to do so, due to concerns about being poisoned by its host, the common earthball, which is poisonous.