Leccinellum lepidum

Morphological Features:

Pileus well-formed, with some specimens reaching up to 15 cm in diameter; hemispherical at first, soon becoming convex, a shape it retains as it does not flatten out. The color is highly variable; we have found specimens ranging from dark brown to nearly yellowish, and even within a single specimen, both colorations may occur in distinct zones. The cuticle is lubricious during rainy periods, though not viscid, and the margin is typically involute.

Tubes adnate, yellow, rather long, remaining invariable both upon touch and when cut.

Pores the same color as the tubes, though they darken and become dull with age; also invariable.

Stipe central and generally robust, slightly thinner near the pileus and more swollen at the base. Yellowish in color, covered with granulations of the same hue that may brown with age.

Flesh pale yellow, practically invariable, with only a slight pinkish tinge, particularly at the base. Thick and of pleasant texture; odor and taste are likewise agreeable.

Habitat:

This species forms mycorrhizal associations with holm oaks, Quercus ilex, where it begins to appear around May, in full spring, and we have observed it until November. Frequent within its specific habitat.

Observations:

It is a highly acceptable edible, though rarely collected for this purpose. It closely resembles Leccinellum corsicum, which is smaller and more squat, occurring under Cistus shrubs. It can also be confused with Leccinellum crocipodium, a species associated with deciduous trees that features a cracked cuticle and rapid blackening of the flesh, which is moreover spongy.