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Gomphidius smithii

A species of Spike-caps

Gomphidius smithii belongs to a unique family known for their partnership with conifer trees. Typically found in forests, this mushroom forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of these trees. It has a distinctive appearance with a slimy cap and stalk. The coloration can range from greyish to violet-brown. Gomphidius smithii also exhibits a slimy protective layer that can be peeled off.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 6 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, not particularly distinctive.

General Info About Gomphidius smithii

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Attributes of Gomphidius smithii

Cap Diameter

3 - 6 cm

Height

5 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 5 cm wide; convex; dull brownish lilac; bald, slimy; the margin sometimes with a blackish line

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Decurrent; close; whitish, becoming dark gray

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 4 - 7 cm long, 5 - 10 mm wide; tapering to base; whitish above, brownish to lilac brown below, discoloring blackish

Stem Shapes

Rooting

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

White in cap, pinkish to dirty yellowish or brownish in stem

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Dark gray to nearly black

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, not particularly distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

White

Purple

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On wood, On soil

You can find Gomphidius smithii by these plants:

Pines, Douglas firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Gomphidius smithii

Typically found in association with coniferous trees, often forming mycorrhizal relationships. Preferentially found in forested areas with needle litter.

Scientific Classification of Gomphidius smithii

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Gomphidiaceae

Genus

Spike-caps

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Tips for Finding Gomphidius smithii

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Gomphidius smithii

Favors acidic, well-drained soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Gomphidius smithii

Search around coniferous trees, focusing on areas with plentiful pine or fir needle drops.
Inspect the forest floor for the unique, often dark-capped mushrooms emerging from needle litter.
Gently move aside debris and needles in potential areas to reveal any hidden gomphidius smithii specimens.
Look for areas that are not waterlogged but still retain some moisture, as these conditions are conducive for gomphidius smithii.
Approach your search methodically, moving in a grid pattern to cover potential forest floor habitats efficiently.

How to Clean and Preserve Gomphidius smithii

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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