About Imperator luteocupreus (Bertéa & Estadès) Assyov, Bellanger, Bertéa, Courtec., Koller, Loizides, G.Marques, J.A.Muñoz, Oppicelli, D.Puddu, F.Rich. & P.-A.Moreau
Description: The yellowish cap of Imperator luteocupreus can reach up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in diameter, and is marked with orange spots. When young, the cap is hemispherical; it expands as it matures, flattening into a convex shape. Its surface texture is slightly velvety at first, and becomes smoother with age. The pores on the underside of the cap are red. The stipe is bulbous, yellow in color, covered by a prominent red net-like pattern, and can grow up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) tall by 5 cm (2.0 inches) thick. The flesh is thick and hard, yellow in color, except for the stipe base which is deep red. This mushroom has an acidic taste, and an indistinct smell. All parts of the mushroom stain deep blue when cut or bruised. Distribution and habitat: Imperator luteocupreus is a rare species found in the Canary Islands, Menorca, Cyprus, Serbia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Sicily, Corsica, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Bulgaria. It may also occur in Greece and Switzerland. It typically grows under oak (Quercus) trees; in Bulgaria, it grows under sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa).
