Species details
Tan ear
Otidea alutacea
Inedible
Photo: zaca · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
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Description
A leathery to ochre-brown ear- or cup-shaped ascomycete growing on the forest floor without a distinct stem.
Identification features
The fruitbody is thin-walled, upright ear-shaped or irregularly cup-shaped, pale to leathery brown. It is often split along one side and spirally curved. A stem is barely developed or absent.
Identification checklist
Check the pale to leathery-brown ear-shaped body, side split and almost complete absence of a stem.
How to separate similar species
Otidea bufonia is usually darker and more reddish-brown. Gobe.si notes that microscopy is often needed to separate similar species.
Habitat
Grows in summer and autumn in coniferous, deciduous and mixed woodland, often under spruce and beside paths.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Toad's ear (Otidea bufonia)
- Otidea cochleata
- Hare's ear (Otidea onotica)