Gomphidius maculatus

Description

Gomphidius maculatus is an edible mushroom in the family Gomphidiaceae that is found in Europe and North America. It was first described scientifically by naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1772. Elias Magnus Fries transferred it to the genus Gomphidius in 1838, giving it the name by which it is known today. The specific epithet maculatus is derived from the Latin word for "spotted".

The European members of this genus are recognized by their overall appearance, hymenophore of gills, viscid cap surface and the presence of glutinous veil.

Common names: Hideous Gomphidius, Larch Spike.

Mushroom Identification

1. Fruitbodies

   With a glutinous veil, its remnants are seen as a glutinous ring in the upper part of the stipe.

2. Cap

   Up to 10 cm, depressed, often umbonate, rarely flat, flat-convex or convex, ivory, pale brown to almost black, viscid.

3. Stipe

   Mostly cylindrical or sometimes spindle-shaped and usually tapering towards the base, white, whitish or sometimes brownish, spotted reddish-brown, blackening, with a glutinous ring in the upper part.

4. Flesh

   White or whitish, blackening when exposed to air.

5. Gills

   Whitish at first, gradually becoming grey to dark grey with age, reddening and then blackening when bruised.

6. Odor and Taste

   Smell and taste not distinctive.

7. Spore Print

   Greenish-black.

8. Microscopic Features

   Spores 16.5-21 × 6-8 µm, fusiform. Basidia are clavate, 34.5—51 × 9.5—12.5 µm. Cystyds are cylindrical or clavate.

9. Habitat

   In coniferous forests and plantations, mycorrhizal with larch (Larix).

10. Similar Species

    Might be confused with Gomphidius glutinosus, but the later has unchanging gills and flesh.

Photo sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Jerzy Opioła (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo 2 - Author: Jerzy Opioła (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo 3 - Author: Irene Andersson (irenea) (CC BY-SA 3.0)