Costa Rica Species
Xylaria polymorpha
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 polymorpha

Dead Man's Fingers

(Pers.) Grev., 1824

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Fungus with elongated, vertical, club-shaped fruiting bodies (stromata) that resemble human fingers. Its surface is rough, bluish-gray when young (due to conidia) and turns black and carbonaceous upon maturity. The interior is pure white and hard in consistency.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Mano de muertoXilariaStag's horn fungusFinger-like fungus

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.(Pers.) Grev., 1824
Record Completeness
93%
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.

--

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

Commonly grows on dead wood or decaying stumps of broad-leaved trees. It is found in damp, shaded forest soils in temperate and tropical zones worldwide.

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

It is a perennial fungus that can take months or years to complete its cycle. It uses enzymes to degrade wood polymers, especially glucose, leaving the wood with a whitish appearance before its final disintegration.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

3.0 - 10.0 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

Hard and carbonaceous texture that protects the fruiting body from desiccation and consumption by small invertebrates.
Ability to remain dormant during dry periods, reactivating with moisture.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Excessive removal of dead wood in managed forests reduces its available habitat.
Use of systemic fungicides in urban parks where it often inhabits old roots.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Its appearance of black fingers emerging from the ground has given rise to numerous folk legends about the hands of dead people trying to climb out of the earth.
It is not edible; its texture is similar to burnt wood and its taste is insignificant or unpleasant.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.