Microglossum atropurpureum

Microglossum atropurpureum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Leotiomycetes
Order: Leotiales
Family: Leotiaceae
Genus: Microglossum
Species:
M. atropurpureum
Binomial name
Microglossum atropurpureum
(Batsch) P.Karst. (1885)
Synonyms
  • Clavaria atropurpurea Batsch (1783)
  • Geoglossum atropurpureum (Batsch) Pers. (1796)
  • Leotia atropurpurea (Batsch) Corda (1842)
  • Thuemenidium atropurpureum (Batsch) Kuntze (1891)
  • Corynetes atropurpureus (Batsch) E.J.Durand (1908)
  • Corynetes robustus E.J.Durand (1908)
  • Microglossum robustum (E.J.Durand) Sacc. & Traverso (1911)
  • Leptoglossum robustum (E.J.Durand) Sacc. & Traverso (1911)

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 (fruit bodies) 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.[2]

Microglossum atropurpureum is found in eastern North America and Europe, where it is typical of waxcap grasslands, a declining habitat due to changing agricultural practices. As a result, the species is of global conservation concern and is listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[1]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference IUCN was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hustad was invoked but never defined (see the help page).