Candlesnuff fungus
A species of Xylaria, Also known as Stag's horn fungus Scientific name : Xylaria hypoxylon Genus : Xylaria
Candlesnuff fungus, A species of Xylaria
Also known as:
Stag's horn fungus
Scientific name: Xylaria hypoxylon
Genus: Xylaria
Photo By Norbert Nagel , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The bizarre shape of the candlesnuff fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon) is one that you'll never forget. Finger-like growths explode from decaying wood, and look more like stalagmites or antlers than they do mushrooms. The shaft is black at the base, fading dramatically to bright white at the tip.
Colors
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Pink
Habitat
The candlesnuff fungus can be found in woods and wooded areas and its habitat is particularly associated with oak and tanbark-oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus). It grows on well-rotten wood, stumps, logs, sticks, and buried wood.
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People often ask
General Info
Habitat
The candlesnuff fungus can be found in woods and wooded areas and its habitat is particularly associated with oak and tanbark-oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus). It grows on well-rotten wood, stumps, logs, sticks, and buried wood.
Growth Form
Saprobic; clustered
Sporocarp Height
3 inches
Cap Diameter
0.5 inches
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Saprophytic
Smell
Not distinctive
Spore Print
Black
Species Status
Distributed in Europe
Distribution Area
Western North America,Europe,North Africa,Asia
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Photo By Norbert Nagel , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Sac fungi Class
Sordariomycetes Order
Xylariales Family
Xylariaceae Genus
Xylaria Species
Candlesnuff fungus