Geoglossum Identification

[RobSutton]

Found what I think are two different species of Geoglossum whilst on a recent trip to Islay. Both were growing in very sandy, close cropped coastal turf.

The first species:


This one had paraphyses of about the same length as the asci, the terminal segments were swollen with (compared to the second sepecies) quite long necks:


Ascospores were on average 70.8µ in length (range 63.2-77.2)and were 7-septate.


This was the second species:


The paraphyses were considerably longer than the asci,


and had a much more irregular appearance with sections of different widths more or less randomly towards the tip.


Ascospores came in at a similar average length 75.0µ (range 72.5-76.5) and were also 7-septate.


I don't have access to much in the way of literature for this group (Fungi of Switzerland is about the best I can do and that doesn't have many species in). If anyone can point me in the right direction as to available literature and/or confirmation that they are two different species that would be great, any suggested identifications would be a real bonus. Your help as ever much appreciated.

[diggleken]

Hi Rob, firstly jealous of your Islay trip - I love the island and its Whiskies!
I have copied below a response to a similar recent question on WAB, by Melanie, I'm sure she wont mind - it might not help much though, sorry.
''3 of the 15 UK Geoglossum that seem to be particularly associated with dunes are G cookeanum, G arenarium Geoglossum atropurpureum - the latter is often black despite its name. But there are records from dunes in the UK of Geoglossum glabrum, Geoglossum umbratile, Geoglossum nigritum, Geoglossum fallax, and maybe others. ''
Apart from any microscopical differences, they seem similar to me, but in different stages of drying and cracking. Otherwise, hirsutum is hairy, which these dont appear to be and of the ones mentioned by Melanie, Cookeianum seems to be commonest of the smooth species.
I'll watch this with interest.
Cheers
Ken

[Chris Yeates]

hi Rob

I suspect that these are both the same species and that species is Geoglossum cookeanum - the characters of the tips of the paraphyses are very important in this genus

in his British Ascomycetes Dennis describes this as probably the commonest species of the genus, and occurring in sandy soil, often near the sea

round here G. fallax is the commonest species

cheers

Chris

[Lancashire Lad]

Don't know if you've already looked at this Rob: -
Beginners Guide to Earth Tongues

Regards,
Mike.

[SheffieldLass]

Originally Posted by RobSutton

I don't have access to much in the way of literature for this group (Fungi of Switzerland is about the best I can do and that doesn't have many species in). If anyone can point me in the right direction as to available literature and/or confirmation that they are two different species that would be great, any suggested identifications would be a real bonus. Your help as ever much appreciated.

Rob
If you pm me with your email address I can forward a good key for Geoglossum. I had the same problem recently and after a bit of digging on the internet came across this one.

Melanie

[RobSutton]

Thanks to everyone for the input - the key highlighted by Mike and Melanie certainly looks useful - will have a go and see where I get to.

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by diggleken

Hi Rob, firstly jealous of your Islay trip - I love the island and its Whiskies!

......

Cheers
Ken

I can't think of a better place to be in autumn when all the geese are there and there's a warming dram of some of the best whiskys in the world at the end of the day.

[diggleken]

Absolutely!
And Hen Harriers and Choughs and eagles and Merlin and Whimbrel etc etc etc .....................................!
Ken

[cervinae]

Originally Posted by RobSutton

I can't think of a better place to be in autumn when all the geese are there and there's a warming dram of some of the best whiskys in the world at the end of the day.

Some of the best? I've yet to taste better... but then I am a Bog Monster in Whisky drinking

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by cervinae

Some of the best? I've yet to taste better... but then I am a Bog Monster in Whisky drinking

Talisker, Highland Park, 25 year old Macallan and cask strength Aberlour come to mind.