Gomphidius

Gomphidius is a genus of fungi in the family Gomphidiaceae. These mushrooms are typically characterized by their fleshy fruiting bodies, which often have a sticky or slimy cap when moist. The gills are usually decurrent, running down the stem, and tend to darken with age, often becoming black or dark brown. The stipe, or stem, is usually firm and may have a ring or remnants of a veil. Gomphidius species are mycorrhizal, meaning they form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees, particularly conifers.

Several species are known, with Gomphidius glutinosus being a common example, often found in coniferous forests. The cap of G. glutinosus is typically grayish to brownish and very sticky, and its gills are white at first, turning grayish and then black. Another species, Gomphidius roseus, has a pinkish cap and is often found growing with pine trees. While some Gomphidius species are considered edible, identification is crucial as some mushrooms can be poisonous. They are often recognized by their distinctive slimy cap and blackening gills. The genus is distributed in temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.