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Earthfan

Thelephora terrestris

A species of Fiber fans, Also known as Groundwart

Earthfan (Thelephora terrestris) fruitbodies develop in fan-like, frilled sheets. Earthfans usually grow straight out of soil and, because of their dark brown color, may be difficult to spot. The species associates with pines (it is a common pest species in pine nurseries) but may also be found underneath other types of trees, both broadleaf and coniferous.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 4 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Earthfan

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Attributes of Earthfan

Cap Diameter

2 - 4 cm

Height

1 - 5 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 4 cm across; fan-shaped to semicircular; purplish to gray-brown; surface smooth, with coarsely hairy

Cap Shape

Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Velvety, Visible lines or stripes

Stem

Stem 1 - 2 cm thick; irregular; brown

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Flesh

Flesh 2 mm thick; tough; brownish; unchanging when sliced

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Earthfan by these plants:

Pitch pine, Spruces, Pines, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widespread and common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Earthfan

Fruiting Body Cap Undersurface

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Habitat of Earthfan

The earthfan usually occurs under conifers in coastal dune slacks and other sandy habitats. It grows in sandy soil, forest litter, woody debris, decaying vegetable material, and occasionally on stumps and stems of plants.

Distribution Area of Earthfan

North America,Europe,Africa,Central and South America,Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Scientific Classification of Earthfan

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Thelephorales

Family

Leathery earthfans

Genus

Fiber fans

Similar Species to Earthfan

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Tips for Finding Earthfan

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Earthfan

Acidic, sandy soil, sometimes with woody debris.

What are Some Tips for Finding Earthfan

Search around coniferous trees as earthfan often forms symbiotic relationships with these species.
Look for earthfan on the ground in clusters, particularly where the soil appears sandy and acidic.
Inspect woody debris on forest floors, as earthfan might also grow there or be climbing small plant stems.
While exploring, check for terrestrial patches under conifers or, less frequently, under broadleaf trees and heaths.