FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Xylaria hypoxylon
Candlesnuff Fungus
(L.) Grev.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An erect, carbonaceous ascomycete fungus featuring distinctive, fruit-body structures called stromata. The stalks are tough, fibrous, and variable in shape, typically resembling miniature, branched stag horns or snuffed candles. The base is black, cylindrical, and velvety, while the tips are flattened, simple or multi-forked, and covered in a powdery white coating of asexual conidia during spring. In winter, the entire structure turns completely black and pimpled as sexual perithecia mature.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Ascomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Sordariomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Xylariales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Xylariaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Xylaria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) Grev.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Decomposer
EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
--
Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
--
Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
--
Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Extremely common and saprotrophic, widespread across temperate zones of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. It grows in dense tufts primarily on decaying stumps, fallen logs, and buried roots of deciduous hardwood trees (especially beech and oak). It prefers moist, shaded forest floors, woodland borders, and decaying woody debris rich in organic compounds.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Operates as a persistent saprotrophic decomposer that remains active inside timber year-round. Its structural appearance follows a bi-phasic cycle: spending the spring and summer coating its branches with white asexual spores, and transforming into a rigid black spore-cannon in autumn.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 8.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Features a tough, rigid, carbonaceous texture that provides excellent structural persistence, allowing the fruiting body to endure harsh winter freezing and resist consumption by most mycophagous invertebrates.
Exhibits a dual reproductive strategy, producing lightweight, wind-dispersed asexual conidia in spring to rapidly colonize local territory, followed by hardy, sexually produced ascospores in winter for long-term survival.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
There are no major ecological threats. The species is highly abundant, though local density depends strictly on the availability of coarse woody debris and decaying broadleaf timber left on the forest floor.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The common name 'Candlesnuff' comes from its striking resemblance to a candle that has just been blown out, leaving a charred black wick with a faint white hint of smoke or unburned wax at the tip.
While entirely inedible and tough as wood, Xylaria hypoxylon contains specialized bio-active compounds, including cytochalasins and lactones, which exhibit notable anti-viral and anti-tumor properties under laboratory study.