''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.

Ecology and habitat

''Leccinum'' species are generally found in the woodlands of Eurasia, and North America, forming ecto

mycorrhiza A mycorrhiza (from Greek μύκης ', "fungus", and ῥίζα ', "root"; pl. mycorrhizae, mycorrhiza or mycorrhizas) is a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant. The term mycorrhiza refers to the role of the fungus in the plant ...

l 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.

Culinary value

They have generally been presumed to be edible for the most part, but there are reports of poisoning after eating 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:

References

External links

* Includes key. * Includes key to North American species. * Includes ''Leccinum'' species. * {{Taxonbar , from=Q573152 Boletales genera