Geoglossum glabrum

Morphological Features:

Carpophore reaching heights up to 5 cm, occasionally slightly more, with a structure comprising two distinct but continuous parts. The upper, head-like portion constitutes the fertile part of the carpophore, measuring approximately one-third of the total length or slightly less, black in color with a bluish tinge, rounded apex, and generally laterally compressed with a more or less fissured central groove, a character that is somewhat variable. Surface dry and shiny, never viscid, pruinose, and glabrous.

Hymenium manifesting as a layer covering the upper fertile head-like zone, smooth and glabrous, concolorous; upon maturation it imparts a pruinose appearance to this region.

Stipe which is not truly distinct, as there is no clear separation from the head-like portion but rather it is a direct continuation thereof. This entire region is sterile, cylindrical, and elongated, of a color similar to the upper zone, equally smooth and dry, though somewhat glossy when wet.

Flesh of the same color as the external surface, not as fragile as it may appear, even somewhat tough or elastic. Lacking in odor and practically tasteless as well.

Habitat:

This species preferentially fruits in pine forests or open grounds, generally in areas near the coast, even in pine woods with dunes, sandy and mossy zones. It may grow solitary or in small groups, with its preferred fruiting period being late autumn and especially winter. An infrequent species with an acidophilic tendency.

Observations:

The genus Geoglossum comprises species with great morphological similarities and is therefore difficult to separate macroscopically. Geoglossum umbratile is a very similar species; like the one described here, it predominantly features spores with seven septa, however its asci are notably smaller, up to 200 µm, whereas the species at hand can reach 250 µm. Geoglossum cookeanum is nearly identical, making its taxonomic status controversial; at most, its asci are also somewhat smaller. Other Geoglossum species exhibit spores with many more septa, up to 17 in some cases. It may also be confused based on its shape with Xylaria polymorpha, but the flesh is white when cut.