| Geoglossum difforme |
| The mature spores of Geoglossum difforme are mostly 15 septate and range from 75-125 microns in length. |
| Asci (dark cells) of Geoglossum difforme are packed with eight spores each and line the outer surface of the fruiting body. Paraphyses (with coiled tips) can be seen growing beside and above the asci. |
| The paraphyses of Geoglossum difforme are abundant, septate and tightly coiled at the tip. These cells give this earth tongue its sticky surface when moist and velvety look when dry and possibly provide protection to developing spores. |
| When dry, this earth tongue has a velvety look and feel. Spore print appears black; actual spore color is dark brown. |
| This troop of black earth tongues (over 100) were found in July growing from the ground in a hardwood forest. Fruiting body sometimes moist and viscid. Most of these specimens are 2.5-5cm tall (1-2 inches). |
| See Beginners Guide to Earth Tongues by Irene Ridge Champignons du Québec on Flickr |
| See also Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America, Roger Phillips, 1991, pp. 308-309. Mushrooms of Northeastern North America, Alan E. Bessette, et al., 1997, pp. 505-506 |
