Pig's Ears
Gomphus clavatus
''Gomphus clavatus'', commonly known as pig's ears or the violet chanterelle, is an edible species of fungus in the genus ''Gomphus'' native to Eurasia and North America. The fruit body is vase- or fan-shaped with wavy edges to its rim, and grows up to 15–16 cm wide and 17 cm tall. The upper surface or cap is orangish-brown to lilac, while the lower spore-bearing surface, the hymenium, is covered in wrinkles and ridges rather than gills or pores, and is a distinctive purple color. Described by Jacob Christian Schäffer in 1774, ''G. clavatus'' has had several name changes and many alternative scientific names, having been classified in the genus Cantharellus , though it is not closely related to them.
Typically found in coniferous forests, ''G. clavatus'' is mycorrhizal, and is associated with tree species in a variety of coniferous genera, particularly spruces and firs. It is more common at elevations of greater than 2,000 ft , in moist, shady areas with plenty of leaf litter. Although widespread, ''G. clavatus'' has become rare in many parts of Europe and extinct in the British Isles. It has been placed on the national Red Lists of threatened fungi in 17 different European countries and is one of 33 species proposed for international conservation under the Bern Convention.
Typically found in coniferous forests, ''G. clavatus'' is mycorrhizal, and is associated with tree species in a variety of coniferous genera, particularly spruces and firs. It is more common at elevations of greater than 2,000 ft , in moist, shady areas with plenty of leaf litter. Although widespread, ''G. clavatus'' has become rare in many parts of Europe and extinct in the British Isles. It has been placed on the national Red Lists of threatened fungi in 17 different European countries and is one of 33 species proposed for international conservation under the Bern Convention.
