Boletus edulis is a basidiomycete fungus, widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere across Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been introduced to southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The fungus grows in deciduous and coniferous forests and tree plantations, forming symbiotic ectomycorrhizal associations with living trees by enveloping sheaths of fungal tissue around their underground roots. The fungus produces spore-bearing fruit bodies above ground in summer and autumn. The fruit body has a large brown cap which on occasion can reach 35 cm (14 in) in diameter and 3 kg (6.6 lb) in weight. It has tubes extending downward from the underside of the cap, rather than gills. Prized as an ingredient in various foods, B. edulis is an edible mushroom held in high regard in many cuisines, and is commonly prepared and eaten in soups, pasta, or risotto. The mushroom is low in fat and digestible carbohydrates, and high in protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Although it is sold commercially, it has not been successfully grown in cultivation. Available fresh in autumn in Central, Southern and Northern Europe, it is most often dried, packaged and distributed worldwide.
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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1498:
Girolamo Savonarola of Florence was executed for heresy, uttering prophecies, sedition, and other crimes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girolamo_Savonarola
1533:
The marriage of Henry VIII of England and his first wife Catherine of Aragon was annulled. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_of_Aragon
1568:
The Dutch Revolt broke out when rebels led by Louis of Nassau invaded Friesland at the Battle of Heiligerlee. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Revolt
1706:
War of the Spanish Succession: Led by the Duke of Marlborough, the allied forces of England, the Dutch Republic, and Denmark defeated the Franco-Bavarian army in Ramillies, present-day Belgium. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ramillies
1934:
American criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed by police on a desolate road near their hideout in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_and_Clyde
1949:
The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany came into effect as the de facto constitution of West Germany. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_Law_for_the_Federal_Republic_of_Germany
2008:
To resolve a 29-year-old territorial dispute, the International Court of Justice awarded Middle Rocks to Malaysia and Pedra Branca to Singapore. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedra_Branca_dispute
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
destitution (n): The condition of being without the necessary resources for life; extreme poverty http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/destitution
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
Might the simple maxim, that honesty is the best policy be laid to heart! Might a sense of the true aims of life elevate the tone of politics and trade, till public and private honor become identical! --Margaret Fuller http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Margaret_Fuller