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Xylaria polymorpha
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Xylaria polymorpha

fungus species
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Quick Summary

Xylaria polymorpha is a species of fungus commonly known as "dead man's fingers". This name comes from its fruiting bodies, which are club-shaped or finger-like and often resemble burned wood. These fungi are typically found growing on decaying wood or injured trees.12

Xylaria polymorpha belongs to the phylum Ascomycota, which are characterized by a saclike structure called an ascus containing ascospores. This phylum includes a vast number of species, some of which are plant pathogens, while others act as saprotrophs, living on dead organic matter.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. dead-man's-fingers
  2. Ascomycota

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