Synonyms: Merisma cristatum, Merisma fimbriatum, Merisma penicillatum, Phylacteria mollissima, Phylacteria spiculosa, Thelephora cladoniaeformis, Thelephora cladoniiformis, Thelephora cristata, Thelephora fimbriata, Thelephora mollissima, Thelephora palmata, Thelephora spiculosa.
Common name: urchin earthfan.
Thelephora penicillata is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Thelephoraceae. It is characterized by its penicillate branching habit, with a stalked, fan-shaped or semicircular cap that ranges in color from white to pale brown. In East and Central Texas, T. penicillata typically fruits on the ground in association with trees, particularly oak and pine, during the summer and fall months. The fungus is relatively rare in the region, but can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges, savannas, and along streams. Specimens from East and Central Texas generally have caps that range from 1-4 cm in diameter and stems that are 1-3 cm long.
Urchin earthfan mushroom (Thelephora penicillata) under pine trees near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021
Urchin earthfan fungus (Thelephora penicillata) on sandy soil under pine trees near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021
Urchin earthfan fungus (Thelephora penicillata) on sandy soil near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021
Urchin earthfan fungus (Thelephora penicillata) with grass on sandy soil near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021
Close-up of urchin earthfan fungus (Thelephora penicillata) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021
Rosette-like clusters of urchin earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora penicillata) with grass and pine needles near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021
Branched and pointed tips of urchin earthfan fungus (Thelephora penicillata) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 8, 2021Observations of Thelephora penicillata in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows under pine trees, typically on sandy soil, near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest. It forms rosette-like clusters with grass and pine needles, and has branched and pointed tips. The fungus was found to coexist with grass, and its growth pattern suggests a preference for shaded areas with sandy soil. Close-up observations show the distinctive urchin-like appearance of the fungus, with multiple branches and pointed tips. The presence of Thelephora penicillata in this region indicates a specific ecological niche, likely associated with pine trees and sandy soil. All observations were made on June 8, 2021, in the same general area, suggesting a localized distribution of the fungus.
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