Kingdom Fungi Scientific name Leccinum Rank Genus | Division Basidiomycota | |
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Lower classifications Leccinum scabrum, Leccinum aurantiacum, Leccinum versipelle, Leccinum griseum, Leccinum duriusculum | ||
Leccinum lepidum fungi kingdom
Leccinum is a genus of fungi in the family Boletaceae. It was the name given first to a series of fungi within the genus Boletus, then erected as a new genus last century. Their main distinguishing feature is the small, rigid projections (scabers) that give a rough texture to their stalks. The genus name was coined from the Italian Leccino, for a type of rough-stemmed bolete. The genus has a widespread distribution, especially in north temperate regions, and contains about 75 species.
Contents
- Leccinum lepidum fungi kingdom
- Leccinum aurantiacum fungi kingdom
- Ecology and habitat
- As food
- Species
- References
Leccinum aurantiacum fungi kingdom
Ecology and habitat
Leccinum species are generally found in the woodlands of Europe, Asia, and North America, forming ectomycorrhizal associations with trees. Most Leccinum species are mycorrhizal specialists, associating with trees of a single genus. Leccinum aurantiacum is an exception, however, occurring in mycorrhizal association with birch, poplar, and oak.
As food
They have generally been presumed to be edible for the most part, but there are reports of poisoning after eating as yet unidentified members of the genus in North America, even after thorough cooking. The orange- to red-capped species, including L. insigne, are suspected. Species of Leccinum often cause nausea when consumed raw.
Species
There are around 75 species including:
