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Gomphus floccosus, sometimes known as the shaggy-, scaly-, or woolly chanterelle or woolly gomphus, is a cantharelloid mushroom. The genus has been determined to be polyphyletic, which will more than likely lead to this species being renamed in the future. It forms ectomycorrhizal relationships with various types of conifer; fruiting bodies may be found in coniferous woodlands across Eastern Asia, from Korea to Pakistan, and in North America, more frequently in the west, in late summer and autumn. The orange-capped vase- or trumpet-shaped fruiting structures may reach 20 cm (8 in) high and 15 cm (6 in) wide; though mild tasting, they cause gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when consumed.
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Gomphus floccosus was first described in 1832 by American mycologist Lewis David de Schweinitz as Cantherellus floccosus, but in 1945 it was transferred to Gomphus by Singer. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin floccus 'flock of wool'.[1] The generic name is derived from the Ancient Greek 'γομφος' gomphos meaning 'plug' or 'large wedge-shaped nail'.[2] An alternate combination of Turbinellus floccosus was proposed by Earle in 1909.
Adult fruiting bodies are trumpet- or vase-shaped with a scaly cap 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter and colored various shades of reddish- to yellowish-orange. The spore-bearing undersurface is irregularly folded or ridged rather than gilled and is pale buff or yellowish to whitish in color. The height of the fruiting body is around 8–20 cm (3–8 in), and there is no clear demarcation between cap and stalk. The spore print is brownish, the spores ellipsoid with dimensions of 12.4–16.8 x 5.8–7.3 μm.[3]
The fungus appears to form ectomycorrhizal relationships with various conifers including Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga), fir (Abies), Pine (Pinus) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Fruiting bodies may be found in coniferous forests in North America, particularly the western states in late summer and autumn. They are most abundant in rainy parts of the Pacific Northwest.[4] It also occurs through Asia, having been recorded from Korea, China, Tibet, Nepal, India, and Pakistan.
Consumption may result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The onset may be delayed by up to 8–14 hours. A compound known as α-tetradecylcitric acid (norcaperatic acid) has been isolated from this species and may be the toxic agent.[5]
Media related to Gomphus floccosus at Wikimedia Commons