the fruiting body has a convex-shaped cap, at first small in relation to its stipe, expanding in volume as it matures. the skin of the cap is dry, matte and can be coloured from maroon to chocolate brown with a reddish tint. these characteristics distinguish it visually from relatives such as "boletus edulis", "boletus reticulatus" and "boletus aereus". the young, immature cap may have a pale pink colour and a white, powdery flush. measuring 4–10 cm (1.6–4 in) tall by 3–8 (1.2–2.2–in) cm wide, the bulbous stipe is often large, swollen and imposing, bearing a network. the overall colour may have an orange-red tinge which is more obvious in the lowest parts, although this is also common in other species. as with all boletes, the size of the fruiting body can be very variable. the cap diameter can be as much as 30 cm (12 in) and stem height 15 cm (6 in).