Gomphales: Gomphus Mushrooms
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Gomphus sometimes refers to a separate order of mushrooms (Gomphales), or a group of mushrooms situated in the Phallales order of stinkhorns.
Taken as a separate order, Gomphus consists of three families, two of which are presented here.
Physically, gomphus slightly resemble chanterelle mushrooms, with their decurrent gills, or gills that extend from under the cap, down the mushroom stipe.
The top picture shows the Woolly Chanterelle (Gomphus floccosus). Their looks varies with mushroom age and locations. The top picture shows a young group with a white stipe and almost apricot cap.
In areas where gomphus species overlap, cap color and amount of cap scales can be useful identification clues.
Most of the edibility talk about gomphus species recommends leaving it alone, as it is known to cause gastrointestinal problems. Some mycologists consider it poisonous.
A tan to brown cap covered in scales help to identify Gomphus bonarii. Picture two tentatively represents the species, a less common Western Gomphus.
The final picture shows a club mushroom in the family Clavariadelphaceae, also situated in the Gomphales order.
© 2007-2012 Patricia A. Michaels