[1] Members of the genus Trichoglossum have tiny hairs known as setae on the spore bearing surface.

The related genus Geoglossum lacks hairs on the spore bearing surface.

Numerous authors have examined this genus since its creation,[3][4][5] with many new species and varieties described.

Index Fungorum currently lists 47 names, including forms and varieties, while Kirk et al. (2008)[6] acknowledge 19 species.

Published molecular phylogenetic research also supports the genus as a well-supported clade.