Suillus luteus

Suillus luteus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Boletales
Family: Suillaceae
Genus: Suillus
Species:
S. luteus
Binomial name
Suillus luteus
(L.) Roussel (1796)
Synonyms
  • Boletus luteus L. (1753)
  • Boletus volvatus Batsch (1783)
  • Cricunopus luteus (L.) P.Karst. (1881)
  • Viscipellis luteus (L.) Quél. (1886)
  • Ixocomus luteus (L.) Quél. (1888)
  • Boletopsis lutea (L.) Henn. (1898)
Suillus luteus
Mycological characteristics
Pores on hymenium
Cap is convex
Hymenium is adnate or subdecurrent
Stipe has a ring
Spore print is brown
Ecology is mycorrhizal
Edibility is edible

Suillus luteus is a species of bolete fungus commonly referred to as slippery jack or sticky bun. The fungus was originally assigned to Boletus by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, before being made the type species of Suillus in 1796. The slimy cap is typically up to 10 cm (4 in) wide and conical before flattening. A membranous partial veil connects the cap to the stem when young. Yellow tubes extend downward from the underside of the cap, which spores escape through. The pale stem is up to 10 cm (4 in) tall and 3 cm (1+14 in) thick, bearing small dots near the top. Unlike most other boletes, it bears a distinctive membranous ring, tinged brown to violet on the underside.

A common fungus native all across Eurasia from Ireland to Korea, it has been introduced widely elsewhere, including North and South America, southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The fungus grows in coniferous forests in its native range, and pine plantations in countries where it has become naturalized. It forms symbiotic ectomycorrhizal associations with living trees by enveloping the tree's underground roots with sheaths of fungal tissue. The fruit bodies are often produced in large numbers above ground in summer and autumn.

The mushroom is edible, though not as highly regarded as other boletes. It is commonly prepared and eaten in soups, stews or fried dishes. The slime coating, however, may cause indigestion if not removed before eating. It is often sold as a dried mushroom.