Suillus asiaticus

The cap of Suillus asiaticus is 4 to 10 centimeters across. When young it is convex to hemispherical; with age it opens out flat. The surface is fibrous-scaly, sticky and slimy in wet weather, with veil remnants along the edge. The color is vivid — reddish-crimson, pinkish-red or brownish-red, with darker flattened fibrous scales. Its bright crimson color sets this species apart from the yellowish-brown slippery jacks.

The spore-bearing surface is made of tubes. The tubes run noticeably down the stem (decurrent), with wide, angular, radially arranged pores resembling honeycomb, as in other larch boletes. They are yellow or golden-yellow, turning olive-yellow with age; they may brown slightly when damaged. Large, angular, decurrent pores are a hallmark of the genus. The spore print is olive-brown.

The stem is cylindrical, 4 to 8 centimeters tall, yellowish-reddish, with a noticeable slimy or fibrous ring near the top — a remnant of the veil. Above the ring the stem is light yellow; below it, it matches the cap, with reddish fibers. There is no volva. The combination of a bright scaly cap, decurrent yellow pores, a ring and association with larch reliably identifies this species.

The flesh is yellowish or pale yellow, fairly soft and watery, and may turn slightly pink or brown when cut. The taste is mild, with no bitterness. Because of its watery texture, choose young, firm specimens for the table; its culinary value is modest, like that of other larch-loving Suillus.

The smell is faint, pleasant and typically mushroomy, with no sharp notes. Scent isn't a defining feature, so for identification rely on the bright reddish-crimson scaly cap, large decurrent yellow pores, the ring on the stem and its constant association with larch.