FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Geoglossum umbratile
Earth Tongue
Sacc., 1878
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender, club-shaped or tongue-like terrestrial ascomycete, entirely black to dark brownish-black. The upright fruiting body is divided into a flattened, smooth to finely velvety upper fertile portion (the club) and a distinct, minutely hairy or scurfy, slender stalk. It often grows half-hidden among low mosses.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Ascomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Geoglossomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Geoglossales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Geoglossaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Geoglossum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Sacc., 1878
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits unfertilized, mossy grasslands, old lawns, woodland borders, and damp moss beds under deciduous trees. It thrives in nutrient-poor, undisturbed acidic soils throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A terrestrial saprophyte or potential biotroph associated with mosses. Its vegetative mycelium remains hidden in the upper root layers of turf all year, pushing up its unbranched, charcoal-colored tongues during wet autumn weeks when conditions are damp and cool.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 6.5 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The strict vertical, club-like growth pattern elevates the fertile spore-bearing tissue just above the surrounding moss canopy, maximizing spore dispersal into low-level micro-currents of wind.
Possesses deep melanin coloration throughout the tissue, providing structural protection against cell degradation and shielding the sensitive developing asci from direct solar ultraviolet radiation in open grassland meadows.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly sensitive to agricultural chemical runoff, artificial fertilization, and soil liming, which alter soil pH and outcompete the slow-growing mycelium by favoring aggressive nitrophilous grasses.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Geoglossum umbratile is considered an important ecological indicator species for ancient, unimproved 'waxcap grasslands' that have escaped industrial plowing and chemical treatment for decades.