Gomphus is a genus of cantharelloid fungi in the family Gomphaceae. Once presumed to be related to chanterelles, molecular study has shown them to be allied with stinkhorns and fairy clubs. The type species of the genus is the pig's ear (G. clavatus).
Christiaan Hendrik Persoon named the genus in 1797, but did not assign any species to it at the time. The generic name is derived from the Greek 'γομφος' gomphos meaning 'plug' or 'large wedge-shaped nail'.
Species , Index Fungorum accepts 12 species of Gomphus:
Image Name Taxon Author Year Distribution Gomphus brasiliensis Corner 1970South America Gomphus brunneus (Heinem.) Corner 1966Mexico Gomphus cavipes Corner 1970South AmericaGomphus clavatus (Pers.) Gray 1821Europe, North America Gomphus crassipes (Kuntze) Maire 1937Spain and North AfricaGomphus ludovicianus R.H. Petersen, Justice & D.P. Lewis 2014southeastern United States Gomphus megasporus Corner 1970 Pakistan Gomphus ochraceus (Pat.) Singer 1945 Gomphus orientalis R.H. Petersen & M. Zang 1996China Gomphus szechwanensis R.H. Petersen 1972Tibet Gomphus thiersii R.H. Petersen 1971USA Gomphus yunnanensis R.H. Petersen & M. Zang 1996 China
There are several undescribed species in the forests of myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) in Tasmania.Fuhrer B (2005) A Field Guide to Australian Fungi. Bloomings Books. Bruce Fuhrer noticed in 1992 that the large and ornamented spores of these species resembled those of the genera Ramaria and Beenakia.
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