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Cap & Stem with Pores
KUROTAKE
Boletopsis leucomelaena, B. grisea
Habitat: The Boletopsis discussed here are mycorrhizal, and fruit from the ground near trees. They may be found singly, scattered or in small groups in mixed woods. B. leucomelaena typically associates with spruce; B. grisea is more likely to be found near pine species. Both are common in our area.
Description: The name Kurotake is used to refer to several closely related Boletopsis species that are difficult to separate visually; they are sometimes referred to as the Boletopsis leucomelaena group, which also includes B. grisea and perhaps others that are as yet unnamed. These cap-and-stem mushrooms have pores, much like Boletes, but the flesh and pore surface are tough—somewhat like polypores (shelf mushrooms with pores; see pgs. 198–219). B. leucomelaena is sometimes described as being taller and thinner than B. grisea, with caps that are consistently darker. In general, caps of Kurotake are dingy white or gray when young, developing dark streaks or blotches over time; caps of mature specimens may be dark gray or blackish overall (particularly in B. leucomelaena) and are up to 8 inches wide. Edges are often wavy or irregular. The pore surface is bright white, darkening slightly with age; it extends down slightly onto the top of the stem. The pores are finely textured and angular to rounded in shape. Stems are 1.5 to 4 inches tall and one-third to one-half as thick; they are dull white to pale gray, developing darker streaks with age. The stems may be attached to the caps somewhat off-center; stem bases are tapered. There is no ring.
Spore Print: White to pale brown.
Season: Summer through fall.
Other Names: B. subsquamosa is used in some references to refer to the two Boletopsis species discussed here.
Compare: Albatrellus species have similar growth forms, but their coloration is usually quite different; they are found near conifers. Flett’s Polypore (pg. 184) is one of the closest in color. Its caps are grayish-blue, and it develops orangish cracks or patches with age. A. avellaneus looks somewhat like a young, pale-capped Boletopsis; its caps are whitish to pinkish-tan, with orangish areas. Caps are less than 4 inches across.
Notes: Kurotake are typically very bitter, but soaking in brine or drying tempers the bitterness; some consider it a choice edible when it is properly prepared.
