A Bolete that grows in heather?

[nickyspaghetti]

Just got back from a trip to the cairgorms and found many boletes that were miles from any trees.
They all seemed to grow among the heather and had brownish red cracked caps.
I didn't manage to get a photo unfortunately, but does anyone have any idea which bolets might grow in such conditions?

[Andy Overall]

It may well be that the Boletes you saw are associating species or Rock Rose (Helianthemum). This may well have been mixed in with the Heather. Boletus satanas and Boletus luridis are known to associate with Helianthemum.


Andy

[fairplay]

There is also the remote possibility that heathland management took place a few years ago and a few tree stumps are still alive (after having been felled and possibly poisoned)
But not knowing the area, I have no idea what sort of management is done there.

Neil.

[Toonami]

We find Leccinum Versipelle in heather and blueberry, but always with birch not too far distant. That would be my best guess.

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by Andy Overall

It may well be that the Boletes you saw are associating species or Rock Rose (Helianthemum). This may well have been mixed in with the Heather. Boletus satanas and Boletus luridis are known to associate with Helianthemum.


Andy

that's possible but Calluna and Helianthemum would not normally grow in proximity - the one being calcifuge and the other calcicolous . . . it's a great pity there are no photo's

Chris

[Andy Overall]

Originally Posted by Chris Yeates

that's possible but Calluna and Helianthemum would not normally grow in proximity - the one being calcifuge and the other calcicolous . . . it's a great pity there are no photo's

Chris

Good point. Then most likely either tree saplings or remnants of previous trees.

Cheers

Andy

[Morchella]

Might be dwarf willow, this was the suspect when my Dad found a Boletus edulis on Ronas Hill.

Laura

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by Morchella

Might be dwarf willow, this was the suspect when my Dad found a Boletus edulis on Ronas Hill.

Laura

that is a very good suggestion Laura! I remember once seeing a bolete growing with (in fact totally dwarfing) a tiny Salix at Inchnadamph . . .

again, pity there isn't a photograph - but we've all been there I was out at the weekend having forgot to put the memory card in my camera (I know, me, only carrying one camera - must be getting soft in my old age)

best

Chris

[thoughttank]

Could be B. chrysenteron. I have found these without trees nearby. Ive also found B.Edulis in heather & sandy soil in germany......

[fairplay]

This statement would only be relevant if you researched the recent history and thoroughly checked to see if there were any hidden stumps cut of at ground level.

Neil.