Bay Bolete

Both the common and scientific names refer to the bay- or chestnut-coloured cap, which is almost spherical in young specimens before broadening and flattening out to a diameter up to 15 cm (6 in). On the cap underside are small yellowish pores that turn dull blue-grey when bruised. The smooth, cylindrical stipe, measuring 4–9 cm (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 in) long by 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) thick, is coloured like the cap, but paler. The species is found in Eurasia and North America, growing in coniferous or mixed woods on the ground or on decaying tree stumps, sometimes in prolific numbers. Some varieties have also been described from eastern North America, differing from the main type in both macroscopic and microscopic morphology.