Orange earth tongue
Microglossum rufum
A species of Microglossum.
The vibrant orange earth tongue (Microglossum rufum) is a striking fungus, notable for its attractive orange, tongue-like form. While its visual appeal is undeniable, consuming this particular mushroom is not advised. It belongs to the genus Microglossum, a name derived from Latin meaning small tongue, and its species epithet, rufum, denotes its reddish hue.
In This Article
Attributes of Orange earth tongue
Cap Diameter
3 - 8 mm
Height
7 - 35 mm
Cap
3 - 8 mm across; croatia-shaped; orange-yellow to yellow; bald, developing a central longitudinal crease
Stem
Stem 7 - 35 mm high, 1 - 3 mm thick; cylindrical, equal; orangish yellow to yellow; scaly
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Scaly
Flesh
Yellowish; unchanging when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Subtle, indistinct earthy scent.
Body Color
YellowOrange
Growth Form
Solitary, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil, Mosses, Dead Woods
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed in North America east of the Rocky Mountains and in Mexico
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Orange earth tongue
Phylum
Sac fungi
Class
Geoglossomycetes
Order
Geoglossales
Family
Earth tongues
Genus
Microglossum
Toxicity and Edibility of Orange earth tongue
Is Orange earth tongue Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
