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Geoglossum simile is a distinctive species of the earth tongue class Geoglossomycetes, first described in 1873. The taxonomic standing of this species has long been disputed, resulting in nearly 70 years of potential misdiagnoses. Although G. simile was original- ly described from North America, it has subsequently been reported from several European countries as well as Asia, Australasia, and India. In this study, we report the first records of G. simile from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, examine the morphological and molec- ular diversity of Northern Hemisphere collections, dis- cuss the taxonomic history and current status of the species, and designate a recent North American collec- tion as the epitype of this widely distributed and conservationally significant species.

Recent field research on grassland fungi in Slovakia resulted in collection of rare geoglossaceous fungi. Previously published data on the distribution of the genus Geoglossum in Slovakia have been extended: G. glutinosum (11 sites), G. glabrum (3 sites), G. cookeanum (1 site), G. umbratile (9 sites) and G. fallax (3 sites). The last three species are new for the territory. Each treated species is described and ecological preferences and threat categories are discussed. A field identification key of accepted species is included.

Field research on grassland fungi in Slovakia resulted in collection of several rare fungi, including also geoglossaceous taxa, such as Microglossum viride (5 sites), Trichoglossum hirsutum (13 sites), Trichoglossum walteri (5 sites), Trichoglossum variabile (1 site), Microglossum olivaceum (2 sites), Thuemenidium atropurpureum (1 site). Last three species are new for Slovakia.