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Publication Date

Summer 2021

Abstract

This species grows on decaying hardwood as they are saprotrophic and secrete enzymes in order to break down decaying wood into edible portions. Our sample was found growing on decaying hardwood while other clusters appeared to grow terrestrially, most likely on decaying wood buried beneath the topsoil. ¾”- 4” club-shaped fruiting bodies that are initially white in color and become more gray and later black as they mature. This mushroom has a slightly rough and firm texture with an undifferentiated cap and stem. The odor and taste of Xylaria polymorpha is not distinctive. The spores are dark brown or black (Baroni 2017). Extracts from this macrofungi have been found to have antimicrobial activity against bacteria like E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and others (Hacioglu et al.) Distinction between X. polymorpha and X. longipes or X. schweinitzii requires microscopy. ID number: 36.52.01.2021

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Location: East Brook Valley, Walton, NY (UR - Upper Ridgeline)

Xylaria polymorpha
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