Slimy spike
A species of Spike-caps, Also known as Slimy spike cap, Hideous Gomphidius Scientific name : Gomphidius glutinosus Genus : Spike-caps
Slimy spike, A species of Spike-caps
Also known as:
Slimy spike cap, Hideous Gomphidius
Scientific name: Gomphidius glutinosus
Genus: Spike-caps
Photo By Jerzy Opioła , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
A stocky, almost imposing mushroom, the slimy spike (Gomphidius glutinosus) has a round bulbous cap and a very thick stalk. This species is one of the more unusual members of the bolete order (Boletales) because it has gills, rather than a spongey pore surface. The "slimy" in this species' common name is well-earned - individuals are almost always coated in a shiny layer of slime.
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Purple
Habitat
The slimy spike can be found in mixed-coniferous forests and it's primarily associated with spruce in Europe, and with hemlock, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in North America. Its fruitbodies will be found amidst the duff or leaf litter beneath the host tree, with which it exchanges essential nutrients in a symbiotic relationship.
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People often ask
General Info
Edibility
Slimy spike is technically edible, but rarely used for this purpose. It has a slimy texture that may be unpleasant. Its flavor is mild and the slimy cap can be removed.
Habitat
The slimy spike can be found in mixed-coniferous forests and it's primarily associated with spruce in Europe, and with hemlock, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in North America. Its fruitbodies will be found amidst the duff or leaf litter beneath the host tree, with which it exchanges essential nutrients in a symbiotic relationship.
Growth Form
Mycorrhizal; solitary, scattered
Sporocarp Height
4 inches
Cap Diameter
5 inches
Endangered Species
No
Substrate
On soil
Smell
Taste slightly acidic
Spore Print
Dark gray, nearly black, dark sepia-brown
Species Status
Least Concern
How to identify it?
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Boletes and allies Family
Gomphidiaceae Genus
Spike-caps Species
Slimy spike 
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