About Xerocomellus diffractus N.Siegel, C.F.Schwarz & J.L.Frank
This species is scientifically named Xerocomellus diffractus N.Siegel, C.F.Schwarz & J.L.Frank. The cap of this mushroom is brownish, with a width ranging from 3.5 to 9 centimetres (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 inches). As the mushroom ages, its cap develops cracks. These cracks are pale to whitish when they first form, and turn pinkish as the mushroom continues to mature. The stipe grows 4–9 cm (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 in) tall and 7–18 millimetres (1⁄4–3⁄4 in) wide. The flesh is whitish in the cap, yellow in the stem, and turns blue when stained. The spore print of this species is olive brown. Xerocomellus diffractus sometimes slowly bruises blue when damaged. Xerocomellus diffractus is a mycorrhizal fungus that grows in association with trees. It can grow singly, or scattered in small groups under both conifer and hardwood trees. It fruits in fall and early winter, and occasionally in spring, along the California and Oregon coast. It fruits in summer in the Southwest and at higher elevations.
