Gomphus clavatus
Gomphus clavatus (Pers. : Fr.) Gray
Gomphaceae
Conservation status. Vulnerable [VU B1ab(i,iii,iv)].
Morphology and biology. Fruit-body funnel-shaped, with flattened or concave upper part, 8–12 cm high, 4–10 cm wide. Upper surface dry, finely velvety, irregularly folded, violet, fleshy red to yellow brown; margin wavy, deeply serrate. Hymenium on the upper surface, on decurrent, branched or netlike violet, violet brown to ochraceous brown wrinkles or fibres. Stipe smooth, finely velvety. Flesh white. Spores ellipsoid, 10–14 ´ 4–6 mm, ochre to yellow brown, finely verrucose. Fruit-bodies in groups and clusters, VII–X.
Habitats and populations. On sandy and limy soils in coniferous (spruce – Picea, pines – Pinus) and mixed (beeches – Fagus, pines – Pinus) forests. In most of the localities, large groups or clusters have been registered in one or several places.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Vitosha Region (Vitosha Mt – Bistrishko Branishte Strict Nature Reserve; near Boeritsa hut and Fonfon hut), Pirin Mts (Northern – near Bansko), Rila Mts (near Raduil, Panichishte locality, near Sapareva Banya, Ovnarsko locality).
General distribution. Europe, North Asia, North America, N Africa.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by logging, development of tourism/recreation infrastructure, fires, gathering for food.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Several localities are situated within the borders of Pirin and Rila National Parks, Vitosha Nature Park, and Bistrishko Branishte Strict Nature Reserve. Some localities are in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Hinkova 1954, 1955a, 1958b; Gyosheva et al. 2000, 2006; Assyov et al. 2010.
Author: Melania Gyosheva
