curious-sheep:November 2, 2014, Mary’s Peak, Oregon, USA and February 11, 2014, Coos Bay, Oregon, US
curious-sheep:November 2, 2014, Mary’s Peak, Oregon, USA and February 11, 2014, Coos Bay, Oregon, USAXylaria hypoxylon, aka carbon antlers, candlesnuff, candlestick, stag’s horn, etc. Sometimes you find them branched once or more, and sometimes not. These ascomycete fungi are black with white at the tips, with the black section releasing ascospores while the white releases conidia. Ascospores are the product of sexual reproduction and are formed within a sac while conidia are produced asexually and formed externally. At least, that’s what I’ve gathered. It grows on decomposing wood and is decently common. The ones I’ve seen are usually around the size of toothpicks, some larger some smaller. Inedible, it seems, but why would you want to eat it anyway?I have a feeling that this fungus probably dries as nicely as bird’s nest does. Will definitely have to give it a try when I get the chance! -- source link