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The pink-purple boletus is a member of the Boletaceae family (Boletaceae). The only synonym of this species is Boletus rhodopurpureus. When meeting with him, you should be careful, because this specimen belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms, despite the fact that in some countries it is eaten.
What do pink-purple mushrooms look like
At the initial stage of development, the cap of the pink-purple boletus is spherical, later it acquires a convex or cushion-shaped shape with wavy edges. The surface is dry and velvety, during rains it becomes mucous and bumpy. In adulthood, cracks appear on it, as well as traces of insect damage. The fruiting body of this specimen is most often gray or olive in color, on which reddish spots are located. The diameter of the cap varies from 5 to 20 cm. On its inner side there is a layer of lemon-yellow tubules, which subsequently acquires a greenish tint. The pores are burgundy or reddish-orange in color, turning dark blue when the cap is pressed. Spore powder in mature mushrooms is olive-brown.
The leg of this specimen reaches up to 15 cm in height, and the thickness is about 7 cm in diameter. Initially, it takes a tuberous shape, and with age it becomes cylindrical with a club-shaped thickening. It is painted lemon yellow, completely covered with a brownish dense mesh, which turns blue or black when pressed.
At a young age, the flesh is dense lemon-yellow in color, in more mature specimens it has a wine hue. On the cut, it becomes black or dark blue in color. This type is characterized by a sweetish taste and a slightly sour-fruity smell.
Similar species
Quite often, inexperienced mushroom pickers confuse pink-purple boletus with edible mottled oak. Indeed, in form and structure, this specimen is similar to the species in question. However, the double does not have such a pronounced aroma as the specimen in question, which is the main difference.
Where do pink-purple mushrooms grow
This species prefers warm climates. Most often grows in deciduous and mixed forests, on calcareous soils, hilly and mountainous areas. Often grows next to beeches and oaks. It is quite rare in Our Country, Ukraine, Europe and other countries that are characterized by warm climatic conditions. Grows singly or in small groups.
Is it possible to eat pink-purple mushrooms
This variety belongs to poisonous mushrooms. Most reference books state that it is forbidden to consume this mushroom raw and undercooked, since poison is preserved in them. However, it is known that many mushroom pickers use this product in boiled, fried and pickled form. This suggests that the pink-purple boletus is poisonous only when raw.
Nevertheless, it is worth being vigilant, since this product tastes bitter, and when ingested, it can cause intestinal upset and other unpleasant consequences.
Symptoms of poisoning
The use of pink-purple boletus in food can cause poisoning, the first symptoms of which are:
- abdominal pain;
- chills;
- nausea;
- diarrhea and vomiting;
- increased sweating.
As a rule, the above symptoms disappear in a day on their own, without the intervention of doctors. Since the body of each person reacts individually, in case of poisoning, certain actions should still be taken and a medical ambulance should be called.
First aid for poisoning
If the victim noticed the first signs of poisoning, you should immediately call a doctor at home. In order not to waste time, you must independently carry out the procedure to eliminate the poison from the body. To do this, you need to clear the stomach and drink an absorbent.
Conclusion
The pink-purple boletus is traditionally considered an inedible mushroom, and in some cases a poisonous one. This specimen is quite rare, and therefore is little studied. It has outward resemblances to an edible mushroom called speckled oak, and is also similar to inedible ones, for example, with a satanic mushroom and other boles similar in color.
