What is "xerocomus"

Xerocomus is a genus of fungi that is related to Boletus. Many mycologists do not recognize the distinction; however, several molecular studies have demonstrated that they are two distinct genera, with clear morphological differences. The genus Xerocomus has been further divided into Xerocomellus and Hemileccinum by Šutara (2008). The members of the Xerocomellus genus are more closely related to Boletus than true Xerocomus is, which is relatively distantly related to Boletus and more closely related to Phylloporus. Other former Xerocomus species have been moved to Aureoboletus, Imleria, Hortiboletus and Rheubarbariboletus.

Most members of Xerocomus are edible.

Ladurner and Simonini published a monograph on Xerocomus in 2003. In 2008, Hills included 18 species found in Britain, not including some species sometimes treated as Xerocomus, including Boletus pulverulentus and Boletus impolitus.

Molecular phylogenetic studies strongly imply that Xerocomus is a heterogeneous genus of polyphyletic origin.