All
the wet weather this August is making conditions perfect for fungus! These
pictures feature Xylaria polymorpha which is commonly known as
Dead Man's Fingers. What a fun name and perfect if anyone is starting to get
into the Halloween spirit a little bit early!
The scientific name helps us
understand a little more about the fungus. "Xylaria" means "to
grow on wood" and "polymorpha" means "many shapes".
Dead Man's Fingers is often found growing at the base of dead or dying trees in
deciduous forests. It comes in many shapes and sizes but always bears a little
bit of a resemblance to fingers or hands.
Fungus is an important part of the
life cycle of a tree. When a tree is at the end of its life, fungus begins to
grow as it digests parts of the wood and aids in decomposition.
For more information about researching and collecting fungi
common in Iowa, check out the Is
There A Fungus Among Us? activity from the Springbrook
Education Center.
