Gomphidius glutinosus, the slimy spike-cap, is a slimy gilled member of the Boletales that fruits under conifers, especially spruces and firs. It has a grayish-brown to purplish cap, decurrent gills that darken with spores, and a stem base that is chrome yellow inside and out. Gomphidius species were long thought to be ectomycorrhizal, but there is evidence that many are parasitic on ectomycorrhizal boletes such as Suillus; the partner of G. glutinosus is not established in the sources reviewed.
Edible after removing the slimy cap skin soon after picking; opinions vary from well regarded to treat with caution, and it is not considered choice. It accumulates heavy metals and concentrates radiocesium strongly. Do not confuse with slimy Suillus, which have pores rather than gills.
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Habitat
Under conifers, especially spruces and firs, in natural woods and plantations; singly or scattered, summer and fall, into winter in warm climates.
Distribution
Northern and montane North America, Europe, Asia and northern Africa. MushroomExpert notes it may prove to be a species complex once DNA studies are done; North American look-alikes include G. smithii, G. oregonensis and G. subroseus.
Characteristics
Cap: 3-12 cm; convex with an inrolled margin, often with a central boss; slimy; grayish brown, purplish brown or lilac brown, blackening with age. Gills: Decurrent, widely spaced, waxy; whitish becoming gray to blackish. Stem: 4-10 cm long, 0.7-2 cm wide, tapering; whitish above, chrome yellow at the base; a slime veil leaves an indistinct ring zone that darkens with spores. Flesh: White in cap and upper stem, bright chrome yellow in the stem base. Spore print: Dark gray to brownish black. Spores: 15-20 x 5-6.5 um, subfusiform, smooth. Key features: Slimy veil; decurrent gills; yellow stem base; near-black spore print.
