Gomphidius oregonensis

Gomphidius oregonensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Boletales
Family:	Gomphidiaceae
Genus:	Gomphidius
Species:	G. oregonensis
Binomial name
	Gomphidius oregonensis; Peck (1897)

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 µm 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.

Taxonomy

Gomphidius oregonensis was first described in 1897 by botanist Charles Horton Peck.[1] The genus name is derived from the Greek γομφος, gomphos, meaning "nail"[2] and relates to the shape of the mushroom. Oregonensis simply pertains to the area in which the species was first observed. Orson K. Miller made it the type species of the section Microsorus in the genus Gomphidius.[3]

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 to 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 µm 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-fir. Mushrooms may be solitary or in clusters and often in colonies with G. glutinosus and frequently with species from the genus Suillus.

References

Peck, Charles H. University of the State of New York Annual Report of the State Botanist. 2nd Ed. Albany: University of the State of New York, 1897. Google Books. Web. 8 October 2011.
McMurtrie M.D., Henry. Lexicon Scientiarum: A Dictionary of Terms, etc. 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: E.C. & J. Bilddle, 1851. Google Books. Web. 9 October 2011.
Miller OK (1971). "The Genus Gomphidius with a Revised Description of the Gomphidiaceae and a Key to the Genera". Mycologia. 63 (6): 1129–63. doi:10.2307/3757989.

Arora, David. Mushrooms Demystified: A comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi. 2nd Ed. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 1986. Print.

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[1] Peck, Charles H. University of the State of New York Annual Report of the State Botanist. 2nd Ed. Albany: University of the State of New York, 1897. Google Books. Web. 8 October 2011.

[2] McMurtrie M.D., Henry. Lexicon Scientiarum: A Dictionary of Terms, etc. 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: E.C. & J. Bilddle, 1851. Google Books. Web. 9 October 2011.

[Miller1971-3] Miller OK (1971). "The Genus Gomphidius with a Revised Description of the Gomphidiaceae and a Key to the Genera". Mycologia. 63 (6): 1129–63. doi:10.2307/3757989.