Rhizopogon ochraceorubens A. H. Smith
A Prem. Acc. N. Amer. Sp. of Rhizopogon, p. 124. 1966.

Common Name: none

• Sporocarp

  Fruiting body at first hypogeous, then partially erumpent to epigeous; 1.5-6.5 cm broad, irregularly shaped, but usually oval to pulvinate in outline, frequently with bumps or shallow folds; peridium matted-fibrillose, pale yellow to ochraceous, covered by a network of darker rhizomorphs, i.e. yellowish-buff to yellow-brown, in age or when handled, reddish-brown; peridum reddening in KOH; spore-bearing tissue finely textured, firm, pale grey, becoming dingy-olivaceous to ochraceous-brown; at maturity, spongy, sometimes partially liquifying; odor when fresh, of "mushrooms," fruity, suggestive of Suillus pungens, in age, of dirty sweat socks; taste mild; columella absent.

• Spores

  Spores 5-7 x 2-2.5 µm, oblong to elliptical, smooth.

• Habitat

  Solitary to clustered under conifers; common under Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata); fruiting throughout the rainfall season, but most common in early fall.

• Edibility

  Unknown.

• Comments

  Our most common Rhizopogon species, this pine-inhabiting "false truffle" is recognized by it yellowish to tawny-brown peridium with contrasting, appressed rhizomorphs that typically become reddish to reddish brown in age or from handling.

• References

  Smith, A.H. & Zeller, S.M. (1966). A Preliminary Account of the North American Species of Rhizopogon. New York Botanical Gardens: Bronx, NY. 177 p. (Protologue)

• Other Descriptions and Photos
  • Douglas Smith: Rhizopogon ochraceorubens (CP)
  • Fred Stevens: Rhizopogon ochraceorubens (CP)
  • Bob West: Rhizopogon ochraceorubens (CP)
  • Michael Wood: Rhizopogon ochraceorubens (CP) -- closeup
  • Michael Wood: Rhizopogon ochraceorubens (CP)
  • Mushroom Observer: Rhizopogon ochraceorubens (CP)
  • Arora (1986): p.755 (D & P)
  • Smith & Zeller: p. 124 (D), plate VIII (I)
  
  

  (D=Description; I=Illustration; P=Photo; CP=Color Photo)