Thelephora cuticularis is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Thelephoraceae. It is characterized by its leathery, wavy, or lobed cap that ranges in color from brown to grayish-brown, and its white to pale brown pores underneath. In East and Central Texas, it typically grows on the ground in deciduous and mixed forests, often associated with oak and pine trees. Fruiting bodies are usually found from summer to fall, and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The fungus is considered rare to occasional in the region, but can be locally common in suitable habitats.
Oddly shaped mushroom Thelephora cuticularis at the base of a small dried red cedar tree in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 21, 2018 Iron Bridge Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Mushroom (Thelephora cuticularis) enveloping grass stalk in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 25, 2018 1406 Torrey Pines Court, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Wrinkled surface of a mushroom (Thelephora cuticularis) growing around grass stalk in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 25, 2018 1406 Torrey Pines Court, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Irregular shape of a mushroom (Thelephora cuticularis) growing around stalks of plants among oak leaves in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 25, 2018 1406 Torrey Pines Court, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Black earthfan mushrooms Thelephora cuticularis at the base of a juniper tree in a bamboo grove in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, June 3, 2021 303 W Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Black earthfan mushrooms Thelephora cuticularis covering base of a juniper tree in a bamboo grove in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, June 3, 2021 303 W Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Close-up of black earthfan mushroom Thelephora cuticularis in a bamboo grove in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, June 3, 2021 303 W Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Side view of black earthfan mushroom Thelephora cuticularis in a bamboo grove in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, June 3, 2021 303 W Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Mushroom Thelephora cuticularis at the base of Yaupon bush in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, July 8, 2021 305 E Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
Underside of black fan-shaped mushrooms Thelephora cuticularis at the base of Yaupon bush in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, July 8, 2021 305 E Brookside Dr, Bryan, TX 77801, USA
AI-generated summary of observations
In East and Central Texas, observations of Thelephora cuticularis have been recorded in various locations, including Lick Creek Park and Hensel Park in College Station. The fungus has been found growing at the base of trees such as red cedar, juniper, and Yaupon bush, as well as enveloping grass stalks. Its shape is often irregular, with a wrinkled surface, and it can form black fan-shaped mushrooms. The fungus has been observed in different seasons, including June and September, and appears to thrive in environments with oak leaves and bamboo groves. Close-up views of the mushroom reveal its unique texture and structure, while side views show its irregular shape. The underside of the mushrooms has also been observed, providing further insight into the characteristics of this fungus. Overall, these observations highlight the diverse growth habits and appearances of Thelephora cuticularis in East and Central Texas.