Tylopilus felleus. Photo credit: Petr Baldrian

Tylopilus felleus (Bull.) P. Karst 1881

Tylopilus felleus is a taxon frequently found in Europe, North America and Asia where it prefers acidic forest soils (https://globalfungi.com). It is ectomycorrhizal with several tree species, both coniferous (namely spruce and pine) and deciduous. The species has been the subject of research into bioactive compounds that have been tested for antitumor and antibiotic properties. Although its fruitbodies are not poisonous, they are generally considered inedible owing to its overwhelming bitterness and are largely avoided by animals and insects.