Fungus to ID please

[hal2]

I would appreciate help in Iding this fungus, which was in Monkwood in Worcestershire this afternoon. I had time for one photo before the battery went but could return take more tomorrow.

The twig was shaded by trees (mostly oak) long grass & bramble.

The black +white ????, whatever they are , are up to approx half an inch high.

please have a look at the top picture at

http://hmail2.blogspot.com/


(must figure out how to attatch thumbnails !)

Much thanks,

hal :scribe:

[Leif]

Hello Hal: That's Candle Snuff Fungus, Xylaria hypoxylon, and it is quite common on rotting wood in the Autumn and Winter.

See here for a nice description:

http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Xylaria_hypoxylon.html

There are some similar species that grow on specific substrates such as Beech mast and Haws.

[Leif]

BTW what is that yellow flowered plant on your web site? I saw one locally.

[hal2]

BTW what is that yellow flowered plant on your web site? I saw one locally.

Hi Leif,

... um, I'm afraid I don't know. I've been told it is Hairy Mallow, butI don't think that's correct - all Malvacaea seem to have pinkish flowers.
There was just the one plant, at least 6' tall growing in a bare area of the New Forest last summer. I shall keep looking.

Thanks for IDing the fungus, it hasn't grown the 'antlers' yet though.

hal

[Silver]

Hi Leif,

... um, I'm afraid I don't know. I've been told it is Hairy Mallow, butI don't think that's correct - all Malvacaea seem to have pinkish flowers.
There was just the one plant, at least 6' tall growing in a bare area of the New Forest last summer. I shall keep looking.

Thanks for IDing the fungus, it hasn't grown the 'antlers' yet though.

hal

The tall yellow-flowed plant is Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Candle-snuff Fungus is very variable, so won't necessarily develop any 'antlers'. That is a very nice photograph you have of it - I am jealous!

As Leif says, there other species that are similar, but smaller and on specific substrates. The one on beech mast is really quite common, but very inconspicuous.

Then there is Dead-man's Fingers, Xylaria polymorpha, that really does look like a cluster of stubby black fingers, and is quite common on the sides of old logs.

Alan

[hal2]

[QUOTE=Silver]The tall yellow-flowed plant is Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).


Thanks, Alan, 2 IDs from 1 enquiry !!!

I'll keep am eye on the Xylaria, & post more photos if it continue to grow.

One good thing about both plants & fungus - they doesn't fly away when you try to take it's photograph.

thanks again,

hal