Gomphus (fungus)


Gomphus is a genus of cantharelloid fungi in the family Gomphaceae. Once presumed to be related to chanterelles, molecular study has shown them to be allied with stinkhorns and fairy clubs. The type species of the genus is the pig's ear.
Christiaan Hendrik Persoon named the genus in 1797, but did not assign any species to it at the time. The generic name is derived from the Greek 'γομφος' gomphos meaning 'plug' or 'large wedge-shaped nail'.

Species

, Index Fungorum accepts 12 species of Gomphus:
ImageNameTaxon AuthorYearDistribution
Gomphus brasiliensisCorner1970South America
Gomphus brunneus Corner1966Mexico
Gomphus cavipesCorner1970South America
Gomphus clavatus Gray1821Europe, North America
Gomphus crassipes Maire1937Spain and North Africa
Gomphus ludovicianusR.H. Petersen, Justice & D.P. Lewis2014southeastern United States
Gomphus megasporusCorner1970Pakistan
Gomphus ochraceus Singer1945
Gomphus orientalisR.H. Petersen & M. Zang1996China
Gomphus szechwanensisR.H. Petersen1972Tibet
Gomphus thiersiiR.H. Petersen1971USA
Gomphus yunnanensisR.H. Petersen & M. Zang1996China

There are several undescribed species in the forests of Myrtle beech in Tasmania. Bruce Fuhrer noticed in 1992 that the large and ornamented spores of these species resembled those of the genera Ramaria and Beenakia.