Gomphus | |
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Gomphus clavatus Albin Schmalfuß, 1897 |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Basidiomycota |
Class: | Agaricomycetes |
Order: | Phallales |
Family: | Gomphaceae |
Genus: | Gomphus Pers. |
Type species | |
Gomphus clavatus (Pers.) Gray |
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Species | |
G. africanus |
Gomphus is a small genus of cantharelloid fungi in the family Gomphaceae. The genus has a widespread distribution in temperate regions, and contains 10 species.[1] Once presumed to be related to chanterelles, molecular study has shown them to be allied with stinkhorns and fairy clubs. The genus is polyphyletic which would possibly result in a new name for G. floccosus in the future. The type species of the genus is the pig's ear (G. clavatus).
There are several undescribed species in the forests of Myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) in Tasmania.[2] Bruce Fuhrer noticed in 1992 that the large and ornamented spores of these species resembled those of the genera Ramaria and Beenakia.[3]
The generic name is derived from the Greek 'γομφος' gomphos meaning 'plug' or 'large wedge-shaped nail'.[4]