Dark-purple Earthtongue
Geoglossum atropurpureum
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Filip Fuljer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Filip Fuljer
Overview
Microglossum atropurpureum is a species of fungus in the family Leotiaceae. In the UK, it has been given the recommended English name of dark-purple earthtongue. Ascocarps are black, often with a purple tint, and are irregularly club-shaped. They occur in soil and resemble earth tongues, but are microscopically distinct. The species was formerly referred to the genus Geoglossum, but is not closely related to the Geoglossomycetes.
Dark-purple Earthtongue faces significant threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which destroys the unimproved grasslands and pastures it depends on. Climate change and nitrogen deposition from agricultural runoff further degrade its specialized habitat requirements, while the species' limited dispersal ability makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Habitat
Inhabits nutrient-poor, unimproved grasslands, old pastures, and chalk downs, typically in areas with short turf and low nitrogen levels. Often found in association with waxcap fungi in semi-natural grassland ecosystems that have not been subjected to intensive agricultural practices.
Other threatened species in Geoglossaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dark-purple Earthtongue classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Dark-purple Earthtongue live?
What are the main threats to Dark-purple Earthtongue?
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