Strobilomyces glabriceps
Strobilomyces glabriceps is a species of bolete fungus in the family Suillaceae found in China. It was described as new to science in 1948 by Wei-Fan Chiu. The type collection was made in Kunming in June, 1938.Description
have convex brown caps measuring up to in diameter. The surface is initially smooth, but becomes cracked as the bolete ages. Tubes on the cap underside are long, while the large angular pores are 4–5 mm across. Spores are spherical or nearly so, and measure 9–11 μm.Morphology
Strobilomyces glabriceps is characterized by its medium to large basidiomes, a nearly smooth, convex pileus that is 10 cm in diameter and "Carob Brown" in color, featuring gray-black, sizable, patch-like or pressed scales or fine filaments. The stipe is 12 cm long, 15–30 mm thick, and "Russet Brown" with streaks and furfuraceous texture, usually tapering towards the base and slightly bulbous at the end. A cottony ring is present at the stipe's apex, with gray to dirty white and gray-black thin fluffy filaments on the upper and lower parts. The fungus has large hymenophoral pores that are "Mikado Brown," decurrent on the stipe, angular or comb-like, and gray-black discolored upon exposure. The spores are dark brown under the microscope, globose to subglobose, reticulate, measuring 9-12 μm, with medium-sized meshes.Phylogeny and interpretation
The phylogeny of the genus Strobilomyces is recently being revised, and 49 phylogenetic species are being revealed in which 26 are potentially new species. Phylogenetically, S. glabriceps is closely related to S. pteroreticulosporus and they fall into a clade that shares reticulate basidiospore mash. Nevertheless, S. pteroreticulosporus stands out due to its petite, upright, conical scales on the cap, a rusty red hue when exposed, and it is observed to found in forest dominated by Pinus spp..Similar species
Based on morphological analysis, S. glabriceps is similar to S. glabellus J.Z. Ying and S. latirimosus J.Z. Ying, two species native to Yunnan China; but it from the letters in having decurrent tubes, and larger spores that 9-12 μm in diameter.Ecology
Species of Strobilomyces sect. Strobilomyces typically develop ectomycorrhizal connections with plants of families such as Dipterocarpaceae, Myrtaceae, Casuarinaceae, Fagaceae, and Pinaceae, but specific mycorrhizal relationship has yet been observed on S. glabriceps.Habitat
Subtropical regions of China, Japan, and India, and it can be found either alone or in small groups. A specimen is also identified from Kon Tum Plateau, Vietnam. The type specimen of S. glabriceps was collected in Kunming, China, in June 7, 1938.Geographical distribution
Forest dominated by Fagaceae trees or mixed forests of Fagaceae and Pinaceae are the most common habitats for this species.Use as food
This is an edible species in China, and it sometimes sold in market, especially in Yunnan Province. This species is known as "光盖松塔牛肝菌" in Chinese. Yu & Liu believed that Yunnan pine forest, one of the habitats of S. glabriceps, was being destroyed, and with the commercialization, local people often over-collected edible fungi, so many edible fungi were being vulnerable or endangered. risk; however, the extent of the threat to this species has not been assessed.