Cap
|
Young caps are hemispherical and downy,
becoming smooth and expanding as the fruiting bodies mature.
When fully expanded, the caps of Xerocomus parasiticus range
from 2 to 6 cm in diameter. The cap surface often becomes cracked in dry
weather, revealing the thick pallid flesh beneath the cuticle. |
Tubes and Pores
|
Large tubes terminate in angular olive pores
that are at first yellow but darken through olive to olive-brown as the
fruiting body matures.
When cut or bruised, neither the tubes nor the pores change colour
appreciably, and there is no hint of bluing. |
Stipe
|
Because it emerges from beneath a Common Earthball, the stipe of the
Parasitic Bolete is invariably curved. There is no stem ring.
Olive or sienna, the stem tapers in towards the base and its pale lemon
flesh does not change colour upon exposure to air.
Between 1 to 2 cm in diameter at the mid point, the stem is typically 3
to 6 cm long. |
Spore print |
The spores are olive-brown. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
Found only as a parasite of the Common
Earthball, Scleroderma citrinum. This species is more likely to
occur in regions where the soil is calcareous. |
Season |
August to October. |
Occurrence |
Rare. |
Similar species |
- Xerocomus Chrysenteron has a reddish stem, usually
untapered,
and its cap cracks to reveal red flesh immediately below the skin.
|
