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Candlesnuff - Xylaria hypoxylon is a poisonous fungus

Candlesnuff - Xylaria hypoxylon
Family - Xylariaceae
Also known as - Staghorn

This fungus is poisonous

An erect fungus, tough, spindly sometimes branched towards the top, flattened becoming rounded towards the ground, growing to 10cm (4in) tall.  Colouration varies from black or dark brown at the base to white at the tip from asexual spores.  Growing in gregarious clumps in open ground on rotting wood.  Its common name derives for a similarity in shape to the tool used to put candles out, also from its branched antler shape, hence Staghorn.  Similar to a yellow form - the Yellow Staghorn – Calocera visa, both are very similar in shape but distinctive in colour.

Candlesnuff - Xylaria hypoxylon, click for a larger image Candlesnuff - Xylaria hypoxylon, click for a larger image Candlesnuff - Xylaria hypoxylon, click for a larger image
Click any photo for a larger image - Photos ©2004–

FBCP do not advise or recommend that Candlesnuff – Xylaria hypoxylon is eaten or used as an herbal remedy.   Candlesnuff is not edible.

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