Xerocomus badius

Foto © Marco Floriani - Piani di Castagné (Pergine Valsugana, TN)

Xerocomus badius

(Fr. : Fr.) E.-J. Gilbert

Xerocomus badius is a rather isolated species within its genus. It is the only species which may occasionally have an almost viscid cap, opposed to the typical matt and velvety surfaces of the other Xerocomus. X. badius is very common in subalpine coniferous forests, apparently associated with Picea, as well as under broadleaved trees. Its pores are of a pale greenish yellow, and they stain blue when firmly touched. An interesting taxon, Xerocomus spadiceomaculans, has recently been described by Engel & Härtl: it seems to differ from X. badius by the total lack of yellow pigments, in the stipe, hymenophore and flesh. (m.f.)