Chroogomphus
Chroogomphus
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Chroogomphus

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Chroogomphus

Chroogomphus /kr.əˈɡɒmfəs/ is a genus of mushrooms commonly known as pine-spikes or spike-caps based on their shape and because they are often found growing in association with pine trees. The genus is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere including North America and Eurasia.

These fungi are members of the family Gomphidiaceae which are agaricoid members of the Boletales (suborder Suillineae). Related to the genus Gomphidius (in which they were once classified), Chroogomphus are distinguished from Gomphidius by their lack of a partial veil.

Chroogomphus rutilus, found in Europe, is the type species.

Accepted species of Chroogomphus include:

The genus name is derived from the Greek χρω- (chroo-), meaning "skin" or "colour", and γομφος (gomphos) meaning "plug" or "large wedge-shaped nail".

The cap of C. rutilus is up to 10 centimetres (4 inches) in diameter and red-brown in colour. The widely spaced gills are brownish-orange and decurrent with black to brownish-yellow spores. The stalk is brownish-yellow and tapers toward the base. The flesh is orange to salmon-coloured and turns violet when chewed.

Chroogomphus ochraceus of North America is very similar in habit and appearance to C. rutilus, and the latter name has often been misapplied to C. ochraceus.

Chroogomphus vinicolor, another North American species, is likewise similar to C. rutilus, although C. vinicolor tends to be smaller. The cap color is variable in both species, with C. vinicolor being, as its scientific name suggests, more wine-colored while C. rutilus is usually more brown. The most distinctive differences between these three species are microscopic.

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