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Velvet Bolete (Suillus variegatus), Mycobee Library No.6

Updated: Feb 27, 2023

Scientific name: Suillus variegatus

British name: Velvet Bolete

Polish name: Maślak pstry


Suillus variegatus, commonly called the velvet bolete or variegated bolete, is a species of edible mushroom in the genus Suillus. Like all bolete-like species it has tubes, and pores, instead of gills under its cap. The mushroom forms a mycorrhizal relationship with two pine species in late summer. It is often found with heathers, and other acid loving plants, on sandy soils.

The variegatic acid is an orange pigment first isolated from Suillus variegatus.It has strong antioxidant properties, and a nonspecific inhibitory effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes. When mushroom tissue containing variegatic acid is exposed to air, the chemical is enzymatically oxidized to blue quinone methide anions.