Gomphidius oregonensis
Encyclopedia
Gomphidius oregonensis, commonly known as Insidious Gomphidius is a mushroom found only in western North America, most commonly on the Pacific Coast. G. oregonensis can be distinguished by its spores which are the shortest in the genus, typically less than 14 microns long. Earlier in growth, G. oregonensis can be difficult to distinguish from other members of the genus Gomphidius
, such as G. glutinosus
which is the most common and widespread species. With age, the fruiting body becomes murky and rather insidious in appearance, hence its common name.
. The genus name is derived from the Greek , , meaning "nail" and relates to the shape of the mushroom. Oregonensis simply pertains to the area in which the species was first observed.
Gills- The gills are fairly even and closely spaced, they are somewhat waxy in appearance. They are white to grayish, turning black as ripening occurs.
Stalk- The stalk is typically about 15 cm long and ranging from 1-5 cm in thickness. The length may be equal diameter from top to bottom or tapered, appearing swollen at the base. The color transitions from whitish in the upper portion above the veil and bright yellow below.
Veil- The veil is whitish with a thread-like texture, hidden beneath a layer of slime. The veil seems to disappear as it approaches the stalk where it forms a slimy, almost hairy ring. This ring often become blackened as the mushrooms ages and the spores begin to fall.
Spores- The spores are smooth, spindle-shaped and elliptical, measuring 10-14 microns long, the smallest in the genus Gomphidius.
. Mushrooms may be solitary or in clusters and often in colonies with G. glutinosus and frequently with species from the Suillus
genus.
Gomphidius
Gomphidius is a genus of mushrooms, commonly known as spike-caps, that are members of the Boletales , or pored fungi. They appear to have gill-like structures which resemble those of agarics, however the similarity is superficial only. The best-known member is the slimy spike-cap...
, such as G. glutinosus
Gomphidius glutinosus
Gomphidius glutinosus, commonly known as the slimy spike-cap, is a gilled mushroom found in Europe. Although it has gills, it is a member of the order Boletales, along with the boletes. The fruiting bodies sprout in pine, fir and spruce woodland in Europe in autumn...
which is the most common and widespread species. With age, the fruiting body becomes murky and rather insidious in appearance, hence its common name.
Taxonomy
Gomphidius oregonensis was first described in 1897 by botanist Charles Horton PeckCharles Horton Peck
Charles Horton Peck, born March 30, 1833 in Sand Lake, New York, died 1917 in Albany, New York, was an American mycologist of the 19th and early 20th centuries...
. The genus name is derived from the Greek , , meaning "nail" and relates to the shape of the mushroom. Oregonensis simply pertains to the area in which the species was first observed.
Description
Cap- At first, the cap (2-15 cm across) is convex and almost peg-like. The surface is smooth and slimy when moist. The color varies from whitish to dull pinkish or salmon when young. With age, the cap becomes depressed, more viscid and turns purplish to reddish-brown. The flesh is soft and white or grayish in color.Gills- The gills are fairly even and closely spaced, they are somewhat waxy in appearance. They are white to grayish, turning black as ripening occurs.
Stalk- The stalk is typically about 15 cm long and ranging from 1-5 cm in thickness. The length may be equal diameter from top to bottom or tapered, appearing swollen at the base. The color transitions from whitish in the upper portion above the veil and bright yellow below.
Veil- The veil is whitish with a thread-like texture, hidden beneath a layer of slime. The veil seems to disappear as it approaches the stalk where it forms a slimy, almost hairy ring. This ring often become blackened as the mushrooms ages and the spores begin to fall.
Spores- The spores are smooth, spindle-shaped and elliptical, measuring 10-14 microns long, the smallest in the genus Gomphidius.
Edibility
G. oregonensis might not be at the top of line for tasting. It is most certainly edible, but with its slimy texture and unattractive appeal it is not recommended. It has some use in the culinary field, but lacks value overall for edibility.Habitat and distribution
G. oregonensis is found in western North America, most commonly on the Pacific Coast. It will be located on the ground under conifers, particularly Douglas-firDouglas-fir
Douglas-fir is one of the English common names for evergreen coniferous trees of the genus Pseudotsuga in the family Pinaceae. Other common names include Douglas tree, and Oregon pine. There are five species, two in western North America, one in Mexico, and two in eastern Asia...
. Mushrooms may be solitary or in clusters and often in colonies with G. glutinosus and frequently with species from the Suillus
Suillus
Suillus is a genus of basidiomycete fungi in the family Suillaceae and order Boletales. Species in the genus are associated with coniferous trees, and are mostly distributed in northern temperate locations, although some species have been introduced to the Southern Hemisphere.-Taxonomy:The genus...
genus.