· Have a cap, stalk, and a fleshy pore surface (consists of a sponge-like layer of tubes)
· Tubes (except in Gastroboletus species) are arranged vertically and terminate in a pore
· Sponge-like layer often easily separating from the cap tissue
· Most are mycorrhizal with trees
· Many are prized edibles
· Often found growing on the ground
· Spore prints are often times crucial for an accurate identification