Systematics of the Gomphales: the genus Gomphus sensu stricto

Gomphus sensu lato (Gomphales) was described to include species of cantharelloid-gomphoid fungi that had 'merulioid' (wrinkled) hymenia and verrucose spores. Gomphus sensu stricto is currently characterized by unipileate to merismatoid (composed of several pilei) basidiomata, depressed funnel- to fan-shaped pilei, presence of clamp connections, and verrucose spores; it has three described species: G. brunneus, G. clavatus, and G. crassipes. Basidiomata and spore features are reliable identifiers of Gomphus sensu stricto that distinguishes the species from other genera in the Gomphales.