Distinguishing Bay Boletus and Bitter Boletus: A Comprehensive Guide for Foragers
Foraging wild mushrooms can be an exciting and rewarding activity, but it is also crucial to be able to identify them correctly to ensure your safety. Specifically, two species of Boletus mushrooms, the Bay Boletus (Imleria badia) and the Bitter Boletus (Gyrodon murrillianus), share a similar appearance. This article will help you differentiate between these two species based on their key features.
Introduction to Bay Boletus (Imleria badia)
Imleria badia, commonly known as the Bay Boletus or Bay Boleti, is a choice edible mushroom that is favoured in European cuisine. It is typically found in deciduous and mixed forests in the autumn months. Here are some key features to identify the Bay Boletus:
Cap
The cap of the Bay Boletus is brown to reddish-brown and often has a smooth, slightly sticky surface when wet. It can be convex or flat and may have a slight sheen. This feature distinguishes it from the Bitter Boletus, which has a reddish-brown to orange-brown cap with a more distinctly velvety texture.
Pores
The underside of the Bay Boletus cap features small yellow to olive-green pores that bruise blue when damaged. For the Bitter Boletus, the pores are yellowish to olive and do not bruise blue. This is an important distinguishing characteristic.
Stem
The stem of the Bay Boletus is thick and bulbous, typically brown and with a lighter often yellowish base. It may have a network of fine, lighter-colored reticulations. In contrast, the Bitter Boletus has a usually more slender and cylindrical stem with a similar coloration but lacks the reticulated pattern.
Taste
The Bay Boletus has a mild and pleasant taste, making it a desirable find. The Bitter Boletus, on the other hand, has a bitter taste, which is a defining characteristic.
Distinguishing Bitter Boletus (Gyrodon murrillianus)
Gyrodon murrillianus, commonly known as the Bitter Boletus or Gyrodon Bolete, is a less desirable species due to its bitter taste. It is also found in forests during the autumn months.
Cap
The cap of the Bitter Boletus is reddish-brown to orange-brown and has a more rounded shape compared to the Bay Boletus. This velvety texture marking is one of the most distinctive features.
Pores
The pores on the underside of the Bitter Boletus cap are larger and generally yellowish to olive, and they do not bruise blue. This is another key difference from the Bay Boletus, which bruises blue when damaged.
Stem
The Bitter Boletus stem is usually more slender and cylindrical. While it shares a similar coloration with the Bay Boletus, its smooth, unreticulated stem can still be distinguished in the field.
Safety Tips for Foraging Mushrooms
While these features can help differentiate between the Bay Boletus and the Bitter Boletus, it is essential to take the following precautions to ensure your safety while foraging:
Use a current printed book: Mushrooms can change over time, so always have a reliable field guide specific to the area where you are foraging. This guide should be up-to-date and accurate.
Check with an expert: Consult an expert or use a reliable field guide when identifying wild mushrooms. This ensures you are not misidentifying toxic species.
Perform a taste test: Always do a taste test as it is one of the most definitive ways to determine edibility, especially for species like the Bitter Boletus.
Spore print: Take a spore print from the cap of the mushroom to further confirm its identity. Some spores may not work on one color of paper, so using both black and white paper is recommended.
Bring a safety kit: Always carry a safety kit including a loud whistle, bear spray, compass, map, paper for spore prints, a sharp folding knife, adequate amounts of water, a snack, and your book. Drought or mutilation and toxic mushrooms can be found anywhere, so preparation is key.
Inform someone: Always inform friends or family about your plans and whereabouts. This ensures you are not lost or stranded.
By following these guidelines and using your book as a life line, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable foraging experience.
Happy foraging!