Earthfan
Thelephora terrestris
The Earthfan is a widespread ectomycorrhizal fungus that thrives primarily in coniferous forests on acidic, sandy soils. It typically forms fan- or rosette-shaped, dark brown fruiting bodies with an uneven, warty surface. In forestry, it is significant as it often acts as a primary colonizer on clear-cut areas and supports the growth of young pine trees.
Details
Identification
Leathery, fan-shaped fruiting bodies; upper surface velvety-fibrous and brown; underside warty or wrinkled; margin often paler and fringed.
Diet
Lives symbiotically as an ectomycorrhizal fungus; obtains photosynthesis products (sugars) from trees and provides water and minerals.
Overwintering
Overwinters as mycelium in the soil or on the roots of host plants.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important symbiotic partner for forest trees, improving the nutrient supply of young trees on poor soils.
Natural predators
Fungivorous insect larvae (e.g., fungus gnats) and various slug species.
Competitor species
Other mycorrhizal fungi compete for the root space of the host trees.
Ecosystem service
Promotion of forest regeneration, soil stabilization, and involvement in the carbon cycle.
Threats
High atmospheric nitrogen deposition and intensive soil cultivation in forests.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Characteristic features include the rosette-like growth on sandy soils, the dark, uneven surface with a pale margin, and microscopically distinctive angular-tuberculate spores. The odor is usually indistinct to slightly musty-earthy.
Habitat
Coniferous forests, heathlands, bogs, forest nurseries, and young plantations; prefers nutrient-poor, acidic sites.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction via basidiospores produced on the hymenium (underside/surface of the warts).
Protection & threats
Main threats
Eutrophication due to nitrogen deposition from agriculture and industry, which displaces mycorrhizal fungi of nutrient-poor sites.
Conservation measures
Preservation of nutrient-poor forest ecosystems and heathlands; reduction of atmospheric nitrogen deposition.