Leccinum versipelle, otherwise known as the Orange Birch Bolete is a common, edible mushroom (given the right preparation) in the genus Leccinum

Leccinum

Leccinum is a genus of fungi in the family Boletaceae. It was the name given first to a series of fungi within the genus Boletus, then erected as a new genus last century. Their main distinguishing feature is the small, rigid projections that give a rough texture to their stalks...

. It is found below birches and turns black when cooked.

Description

The cap is broadly convex, bright red-brown or brick red. It is felty and grows up to 20 cm in diameter. The flesh is white to pink, turning green-blue when cut, particularly in the stem. The spores are brown. The stem is firm, long and slender, white and covered with small black scales.

Preparation for consumption

Leccinum versipelle is midly toxic (causing nausia and vomiting) unless given proper heat treatment (frying or boiling for 15-20 minutes is considered necessary). As mentioned, the mushroom turns black when heated.