Species details
Yellow earth tongue
Spathularia flavida
Inedible
Photo: Kasper Malmberg · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A yellow spatula-shaped ascomycete with a laterally flattened fertile upper part and paler stem.
Identification features
Fruitbody about 5–8 cm tall. The upper fertile part is yellow, ochre or cream, spatula-flattened and slightly curved, wrapping around the upper stem on both sides. Stem is 2–3 cm tall, whitish and cylindrical.
Identification checklist
The key feature is the characteristic yellow spatula form, with the upper fertile portion flattened sideways and embracing the paler stem.
How to separate similar species
Leotia and Cudonia have more cap-like or disc-like heads. The spatula shape of Spathularia is usually very distinctive.
Habitat
Grows in various woodland types, especially in conifer needle litter, from early summer to autumn.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October
Similar species
- Spathularia species
- Jelly baby (Leotia lubrica)
- Common cudonia (Cudonia circinans)