Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in July 2020.
In the world of Facebook groups, one stands out as a haven for nature enthusiasts, specifically those fascinated by fungi. Mushroomcore, boasting nearly 30,000 members, is where folks come together to share captivating photos and captivating stories about these mysterious organisms. However, even for the most dedicated nature lovers, some fungal species continue to surprise, like the Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha).
This intriguing tale begins with Regan Daniels from North Carolina, who, in June, shared a series of photos on the group that left many baffled. The images depicted what appeared to be a severed body part, something reminiscent of a Halloween decoration. Daniels captioned her post, saying, “Saw this Dead Man’s Fingers (or toes in this case) fungus that I literally thought was a Halloween decoration!” Her snapshots quickly went viral, although a few doubt and questioned their authenticity. However, Daniels reassured everyone that what they were seeing was indeed real.
She revealed that she had stumbled upon this peculiar mushroom in Western North Carolina, United States, within a frequented park. Despite the park’s popularity, it remained a peaceful place, nestled alongside the scenic French Broad River.
The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus, as it turns out, often thrives at the base of beechwood stumps and occasionally on other buried hardwoods. Typically, it emerges in clusters of three to six ‘fingers,’ which often bend and resemble gnarled, arthritic black knuckles.
These stromata, appearing in palmate groupings, consist of white infertile finger-like structures with a black exterior housing the flasks where the spores are produced. Termed ‘flask fungi,’ these enigmatic black compound fruitbodies are quite elusive in dark woodlands.
Found throughout Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe, and many parts of North America, the Dead Man’s Fingers is a relatively common species. However, it’s not considered suitable for consumption, so don’t expect to find it gracing your dinner plate anytime soon.
The world of fungi continues to amaze and confound, with discoveries like the Dead Man’s Fingers serving as a stark reminder of the wonders that nature has in store for those who venture into the depths of the forest or, in this case, scroll through an online community of fellow enthusiasts. So, if you ever spot something unusual in the woods, just remember, it might not be a Halloween decoration after all; nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.
Sources: boredpanda
