Geoglossum umbratile

A small earth tongue with a smooth black head and black-brown stem.   Microscopic examination is needed to separate it from similar Geoglossum.  The spores are dark, mature early, and most are divided by 7 septa.   There are 8 spores per ascus; the asci are separated by paraphyses which have a crook end, like a hockey stick. 

other Geoglossum

microscope

Photograph in habitat; note substrate.  The specimen will need to be microscopically examined in order to identify this species; we recommend that is is verified by an expert, from a specimen, before submission to NatureSpot

Grassland, woodland clearings