Synonyms: Coniophora eradians, Hyphoderma terrestre, Hypochnus eradians, Phylacteria terrestris, Thelephora crustosa, Thelephora eradians, Thelephora minor, Thelephora rhipidium, Thelephora tristis.
Common names: earthfan, Common Fiber Vase.
Thelephora terrestris is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Thelephoraceae. It is a terrestrial fungus that forms mycorrhizal relationships with plant roots. In East and Central Texas, Thelephora terrestris has been found growing in association with various tree species, including oak, pine, and cedar. It typically fruits in the fall, producing coralloid to irregularly branched basidiocarps that are grayish-brown to black in color. The fungus is relatively common in the region's forests and woodlands, particularly in areas with rich soil and abundant organic matter.
Earthfan fungus (Thelephora terrestris) on a dry path in a longleaf pine forest in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 23, 2018
Upper view of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on a dry path in a longleaf pine forest in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 23, 2018
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 23, 2018
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 30, 2018
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) near a burned pine in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, November 28, 2019
Earthfan mushroom (Thelephora terrestris) near a pine on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, April 20, 2020
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, September 25, 2020
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) near a pine on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, September 25, 2020
Earthfan mushroom (Thelephora terrestris) in a pine forest on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, November 17, 2021
Underside of earthfan mushroom (Thelephora terrestris) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, November 17, 2021
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, September 10, 2022
Spores of mushrooms Thelephora terrestris (in 3% KOH, spore print black) collected a day before on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, September 11, 2022
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on a dry sandy path in a sparse pine forest on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, September 21, 2022
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) on a sandy trail in a sparse pine forest on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, September 21, 2022
Spores of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) collected in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, September 21, 2022
Angular, spiny spores of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) collected in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, September 21, 2022
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 25, 2024
Close-up of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 25, 2024
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) in the middle of Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, May 1, 2024
Upper view of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) in the middle of Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, May 1, 2024
Upper and side views of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) in the middle of Road FS 203 near Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, May 1, 2024
Underside of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, May 17, 2024
Earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) among dry pine needles in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, May 17, 2024
Spores (in KOH) of earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) collected a day before in Bastrop State Park. Texas, May 18, 2024
Spores (in KOH) of dark earthfan mushrooms (Thelephora terrestris) collected a day before in Bastrop State Park. Texas, May 18, 2024The fungus Thelephora terrestris was observed multiple times in East and Central Texas between 2018 and 2024. Most sightings occurred in Sam Houston National Forest, particularly on Richards Loop Trail and Little Lake Creek Loop Trail. The fungus was also found in Bastrop State Park and Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Observations were made in various environments, including longleaf pine forests, dry paths, and sandy trails. The fungus typically grew near pines, often on dry ground or among pine needles. Spore prints were collected and examined, revealing angular, spiny spores. The observations suggest that Thelephora terrestris is a common species in the region, particularly in areas with pine trees. The sightings spanned different seasons, from April to November, indicating a relatively long fruiting period for the fungus.
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