Larch Spike
EN

Larch Spike

Gomphidius maculatus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gomphidius_maculatus

Overview

Gomphidius maculatus, commonly known as the larch slime spike, is a species of mushroom in the family Gomphidiaceae. It is widely distributed in Europe and North America, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with larch trees. It is an introduced species in New Zealand. While not known to be poisonous, it is slimy and could potentially accumulate heavy metals.

Gomphidius maculatus, the Larch Spike mushroom, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation in its native coniferous forest ecosystems. Climate change is altering the delicate mycorrhizal relationships this species depends on with larch trees, while air pollution and acid rain are degrading the soil chemistry essential for its survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Gomphidius maculatus has a wide distribution in the northern hemisphere, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with larch trees. It has also been introduced to new Zealand.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Gomphidiaceae

Pine Spike-capEN

Pine Spike-cap

Chroogomphus rutilus

Unknown
Slimy SpikeCR

Slimy Spike

Gomphidius glutinosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Larch Spike classified as Endangered?
Larch Spike is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Gomphidius maculatus, the Larch Spike mushroom, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation in its native coniferous forest ecosystems. Climate change is altering the delicate mycorrhizal relationships this species depends on with larch trees, while air pollution and acid rain are degrading the soil chemistry essential for its survival.
Where does Larch Spike live?
Larch Spike occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Larch Spike?
The main threats to Larch Spike are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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