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Glite Dictionary
Xylaria

Xylaria

9.9
A group of fungi that grow on decaying wood as black, woody, finger-like growths like dead man's fingers
  • noun
  • /ˈzaɪlərɪə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Xylaria
  • The most famous member of the genus Xylaria is Xylaria polymorpha, also known as dead man's fingers.

Examples

  • Xylaria fungi can often be identified by their distinctive black, woody structures on decomposed logs.

  • Mycologists collected several specimens of Xylaria for further examination under the microscope.

  • Xylaria species are commonly found growing on decaying wood in forests.

  • The Xylaria species can be found in decaying wood.

  • Did you see the Xylaria growing in the forest?

  • Mycologists study Xylaria to understand their ecological role in breaking down wood.

  • Xylaria species thrive in damp woodland environments, contributing to the decomposition process.

Compounds

Xylaria mali
  • Specialized
9.9

A fungus that causes black root rot in apple trees

Xylaria polymorpha
  • Specialized
9.9

A black fungus that grows as long, finger-like shapes on rotten wood

Surface Forms

Xylaria singular
Xylariae plural

Etymology

Xylaria comes from the Greek root xyl- and the word xylon, which mean 'wood'. This is the same root as in xylophone, and it helps you remember that Xylaria fungi grow on wood and often form hard, dark growths.