Slippery jack Suillus luteus

Found: throughout NZ

The common name for this edible fungus is due to its slightly gross texture. The cap is tan to chestnut brown, grows up to 25cm across, and is often very slimy.

Slippery jacks have yellow pores instead of gills and a distinctive ring around the upper part of the stem. Above the ring are small dark dots. The cap and stem are white-fleshed and don't change colour when damaged.

They grow around coniferous trees, specifically pines (which is where they get their other common name, pine bolete), and can be harvested from autumn to early winter.

When mature, all that will remain on the stem (stipe) will be remnants of the veil, the thin membrane that covers the cap and stalk of an immature mushroom. The newly discovered

(in NZ) Suillus salmonicolor grows under pine trees and has a more distinctive ring. Another slippery jack variety, S. granulatus, doesn't have the ring on the stem.

It's best to peel off the slimy outer cap layer before cooking.