commonly known pine king fungus genus found europe years considered subspecies form mushroom western north_america reclassified new species edible preserved cooked fungus grows predominantly coniferous forests forming associations living trees tree underground roots fungal tissue fungus produces spore bearing fruit bodies ground summer autumn large edible fruiting bodies known mushrooms appear pine trees generally summer autumn brown coloured cap stem large swollen overall colour orange red size fruiting body variable taxonomy italian naturalist recognise pine distinct taxon raised species status years considered variety species longer treated variety classified section close relative gained current described czech specific epithet mix latin pine loving synonym subsequently found invalid common names include pine king taxonomic revision western north american populations species published formally establishing distinct species phylogenetic analysis shown member clade closely related group north american species despite diverse appearances taxa close genetically leading colleagues speculate combining taxa single species diverged lineage gave rise million years ago description fruiting body convex shaped cap small relation stipe expanding volume matures skin cap dry coloured chocolate brown reddish characteristics distinguish visually relatives young immature cap pale pink colour white flush measuring tall wide stipe large swollen imposing bearing network overall colour orange red obvious lowest parts common species size fruiting body variable cap diameter stem height like small pores underside cap gills coloured white yellow age brown maturity spores ellipsoid smooth oil drops dimensions produce olive brown spore print distribution habitat europe found britain common scotland france common south considered vulnerable czech_republic sold commercially finland forms relationships pine fir spruce located trees grow particularly scots pine britain preferring poor acidic sandy soils associated coniferous forests appears favour form mushroom occurring association labeled var confined coniferous trees found fruiting deciduous forests chestnut trees fruiting bodies occur singly small groups summer autumn months known appear early april italy edibility edible fresh preserved dried cooked manner similar edible highly regarded expensive central mexico sold dried flesh white soft mature specimens change colour taste smell pleasant people likened flavour pork pork easily similar habitat appearance known heavy metals mercury reduce exposure authorities recommend avoiding mushrooms areas near mines roadways disposal sites furthermore pores removed contain highest concentrations
Boletus pinophilus