Zeller's bolete

Xerocomellus zelleri

Xerocomellus zelleri is a large and meaty bolete native to western North America, from British Columbia south to California. The cap is broad and convex to nearly flat, and brown to near-black in color, sometimes with a reddish hue at the margin [1]. Its pore surface is golden-yellow, and bruises blue. The stipe is thin, but solid, yellow with red granules or flushes, and it often darkens toward the base [2].

Xerocomellus zelleri forms ectomycorrhizal associations with trees (most commonly found in mature conifer-hardwood forests), in which it actively exchanges nutrients with host tree roots [3]. By binding tree roots and soils together, Zeller’s Bolete can help support soil stability and long-term forest health. It also plays a role in breaking down organic matter within the forest floor, which recycles nutrients within the ecosystem [3][4].

Warm in color and unique in appearance, with its reddish-yellow stipe, Xerocomellus zelleri also serves as a natural link between nutrient cycling and decomposition within North American forest ecosystems [4].

[1] The Bolete Filter.“Xerocomellus zelleri (‘Zeller’s Bolete’).” Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club. https://boletes.wpamushroomclub.org/product/boletus-zelleri/

[2] Siegel, Noah, and Christian Schwarz.“Xerocomellus zelleri.” California Fungi: MykoWeb. https://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Xerocomellus_zelleri.html

[3] JungleDragon.  “Zeller’s Bolete (Xerocomellus zelleri).” JungleDragon Species Database. https://www.jungledragon.com/specie/11290/zellers_bolete.html

[4] RedList.info.  “Xerocomellus zelleri.” IUCN Red List Fungal Profiles. https://redlist.info/iucn/species_view/563568/