Geoglossum cookeanum Common Earthtongue

The most common earthtongue in sandy soils of coastal grasslands and open mosaic habitats. The black fruiting bodies can be up to 10cm tall, but usually about 4-6 cm. The broad, tongue-like head  is about half the length (or more) of the whole fruiting body and tapers to the scurfy stalk. Microscopic examination (e.g. of the ascospores and paraphyses in the asci) is required to confirm identification. The paraphyses are about equal in length to the ascus with chains of barrel-shaped (or pear-shaped) cells at their apex (see photo). The curved ascospores range from 50 to 70 microns in length (see photo). It is a comon species of coastal sand dunes in West Glamorgan and occurs in large numbers in  suitable locations such as in sandy, coastal open mosaic habitats on Baglan Energy Park. Records from inland and upland habitats are probably errors.