Dead Man's Fingers - Revision history

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2023-05-10T18:04:33Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 10 May 2023
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	[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]		[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]

	Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal as seen in Figure 2.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can be found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>		Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin [[Horticulture]] Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal as seen in Figure 2.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can be found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>

	==Ecosystem Role==		==Ecosystem Role==
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	The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>		The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>

	''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and [[Agriculture]] Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:21, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:21:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 18 May 2022
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	To stave off infection, trees should be kept well-hydrated and fertilized to keep their immune system strong. Rootstocks that are less susceptible to infection should be used.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> For example, the MM.106 and seedling apple rootstocks are less susceptible than MM.104 and MM.111 rootstocks, although none are resistant.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/>		To stave off infection, trees should be kept well-hydrated and fertilized to keep their immune system strong. Rootstocks that are less susceptible to infection should be used.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> For example, the MM.106 and seedling apple rootstocks are less susceptible than MM.104 and MM.111 rootstocks, although none are resistant.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/>

	~~The~~ Dead Man’s ~~Fungus~~ is only a weak pathogen and induces a slow rot, so an infected host has the chance to recover and the tree/shrub should not be removed immediately.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> It is also possible that Dead Man’s Fungus is feeding on the mulch around a plant and not the roots of the plant itself.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> On the other hand, by the time that the fruiting bodies appear, the infection is well advanced in the plant.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The plant should be tended to closely and provided with sufficient water and nutrients to see if it can fight off the disease.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		Dead Man’s Fingers is only a weak pathogen and induces a slow rot, so an infected host has the chance to recover and the tree/shrub should not be removed immediately.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> It is also possible that Dead Man’s Fungus is feeding on the mulch around a plant and not the roots of the plant itself.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> On the other hand, by the time that the fruiting bodies appear, the infection is well advanced in the plant.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The plant should be tended to closely and provided with sufficient water and nutrients to see if it can fight off the disease.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

	If the tree cannot be saved, then the entire stump and as much of the root system as possible should be removed and planting in the same location should be avoided.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> If replanting is necessary, then the area should be deep plowed, stripped of any remaining roots, and left fallow for as long as possible.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Remember that the fungus can survive in wood remnants for up to 15 years. Susceptible plants should not be planted in the same site.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Peach trees are not susceptible and are a good substitute.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/>		If the tree cannot be saved, then the entire stump and as much of the root system as possible should be removed and planting in the same location should be avoided.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> If replanting is necessary, then the area should be deep plowed, stripped of any remaining roots, and left fallow for as long as possible.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Remember that the fungus can survive in wood remnants for up to 15 years. Susceptible plants should not be planted in the same site.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Peach trees are not susceptible and are a good substitute.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:19, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:19:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:19, 18 May 2022
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	[[File: Asci and ascopores.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 4. Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores. Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>]]		[[File: Asci and ascopores.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 4. Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores. Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>]]

	The Dead Man’s Fingers are the reproductive structure of ''X. polymorpha''. The white inside of the fingers is a made up of a dense mass of hyphae called the '''stroma'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The outer surface of the stroma is covered with little black flask-shaped structures called '''perithecia''', as ~~seem~~ in Figure 3.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment as seen in Figure 4.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> It takes months or even years for each ascus to release all of its spores, while most mushrooms that people are familiar with release their spores over the course of a few hours or days each year.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> In the springtime, Dead Man’s Fingers also has the ability to release a layer of white asexual spores called '''conidia''' over its entire surface, which is known as the “candlesnuff phase.”<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		The Dead Man’s Fingers are the reproductive structure of ''X. polymorpha''. The white inside of the fingers is a made up of a dense mass of hyphae called the '''stroma'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The outer surface of the stroma is covered with little black flask-shaped structures called '''perithecia''', as seen in Figure 3.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment as seen in Figure 4.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> It takes months or even years for each ascus to release all of its spores, while most mushrooms that people are familiar with release their spores over the course of a few hours or days each year.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> In the springtime, Dead Man’s Fingers also has the ability to release a layer of white asexual spores called '''conidia''' over its entire surface, which is known as the “candlesnuff phase.”<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:19, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:19:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:19, 18 May 2022
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	[[File: Asci and ascopores.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 4. Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores. Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>]]		[[File: Asci and ascopores.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 4. Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores. Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>]]


	The Dead Man’s Fingers are the reproductive structure of ''X. polymorpha''. The white inside of the fingers is a made up of a dense mass of hyphae called the '''stroma'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The outer surface of the stroma is covered with little black flask-shaped structures called '''perithecia''', as seem in Figure 3.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment as seen in Figure 4.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> It takes months or even years for each ascus to release all of its spores, while most mushrooms that people are familiar with release their spores over the course of a few hours or days each year.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> In the springtime, Dead Man’s Fingers also has the ability to release a layer of white asexual spores called '''conidia''' over its entire surface, which is known as the “candlesnuff phase.”<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		The Dead Man’s Fingers are the reproductive structure of ''X. polymorpha''. The white inside of the fingers is a made up of a dense mass of hyphae called the '''stroma'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The outer surface of the stroma is covered with little black flask-shaped structures called '''perithecia''', as seem in Figure 3.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each perithecium contains '''asci''' which in turn contain '''ascospores''', or sexual spores.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> Each ascus takes its turn elongating into the ostiole (small pore in the side of the perithecium facing away from the fungus) and discharging its ascospores into the environment as seen in Figure 4.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> It takes months or even years for each ascus to release all of its spores, while most mushrooms that people are familiar with release their spores over the course of a few hours or days each year.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> In the springtime, Dead Man’s Fingers also has the ability to release a layer of white asexual spores called '''conidia''' over its entire surface, which is known as the “candlesnuff phase.”<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:18, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:18:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:18, 18 May 2022
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	The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>		The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>

	''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, ~~producing~~ and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:17, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:17:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:17, 18 May 2022
Line 44:		Line 44:

	The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>		The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>

	''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, producing and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, producing and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:16, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:16:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 18 May 2022
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	==Ecosystem Role==		==Ecosystem Role==

	The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> ~~Brown~~ rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>		The Dead Man’s Fingers fungus is primarily a '''saprophyte''' that obtains nutrients from dead woody plants. It plays an important ecological role in cleaning the forest and cycling nutrients back into the soil. Like other filamentous Ascomycetes, ''X. polymorpha'' decomposes wood through a '''soft rot process'''.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> For comparison, brown rot fungi break down the cellulose in plant matter, leaving behind the brown [[lignin]] and white rot fungi break down the lignin, leaving the white cellulose.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> However, soft rot fungi break down the glucan and other glues between the cellulose and lignin, which compromises the structure of the wood and leaves a mushy mass of cellulose and lignin.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The soft rot mechanism is less effective at removing nutrients than the brown and white rot mechanisms.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/>
	''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, producing and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>		''X. polymorpha'' can also be a '''parasite''' on stressed deciduous trees, causing '''black root rot'''.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus forms an off-white sheath around [[plant roots]] which eventually turns black and crusty, concealing the white interior.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> The fungus can survive as hyphae inside of dead or dying wood for up to 15 years, and they spread between individuals when plant roots come in contact with each other.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"> Biggs, A.R., West Virginia University. (2019, August 22). ‘’’Black Root Rot of Apple.’’’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Extension. [https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/ https://apples.extension.org/black-root-rot-of-apple/]</ref> Certain '''trees''' are '''more susceptible to infection''', including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, elm, maple, locust, oak, hickory, sassafras, walnut, and beech.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> The fungus can also invade stressed ornamental trees and shrubs.<ref name="(Davey Tree)"/> Although trees of any age can be infected, typically only trees that are older than ten years die from infection.<ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> If Dead Man’s Fingers are found at the base or in the vicinity of a tree, it is possible that it is infected.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> Other signs of infection include losing foliage, dying back, slowed growth, basal cankers, producing and eventually the tree may start to lean and break at the base of its trunk.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Biggs, 2019)"/> Specifically, infected apple trees may produce a larger-than-normal crop of smaller-than-normal fruits.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/>

Cjmarkha at 15:16, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:16:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 18 May 2022
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	[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]		[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]

	Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal as seen in Figure 2.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>		Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal as seen in Figure 2.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can be found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>

	==Ecosystem Role==		==Ecosystem Role==

Cjmarkha at 15:15, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:15:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:15, 18 May 2022
Line 39:		Line 39:
	[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]		[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]

	Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>		Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal as seen in Figure 2.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>

	==Ecosystem Role==		==Ecosystem Role==

Cjmarkha at 15:14, 18 May 2022

2022-05-18T15:14:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:14, 18 May 2022
Line 39:		Line 39:
	[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]		[[File:Old Dead Man's Fingers.jpg\|right\|thumb\|caption\|300px\|Figure 2. As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(Highfield, 2019)">Highfield, C. (2019, October 28). ''From the Grave: Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Alliance for the Chesepeake Bay. [https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2019/10/from-the-grave-dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> ]]

	Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or as in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>		Dead Man’s Fingers are the mushroom-like '''fruiting bodies''' of ''X. polymorpha'' that can be found on or near '''dead or dying wood''' as well as wooden barrels that are in contact with the soil.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)">Joy, A. and Hudelson, B., UW-Madison Plant Pathology. (2012, August 13). ''Dead Man’s Fingers.'' Wisconsin Horticulture Divison of Extension. [https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The “fingers” of the fungus emerge from the ground either as a single fruiting body or in groups of typically 3-6 which can be fused together.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)">Davey Tree. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers Fungus.'' [https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/ https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/dead-mans-fingers/]</ref> The form and number of fruiting bodies is highly variable.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/> The fingers are usually 1-3 in. tall and ½ -1 ¼ in. wide.<ref name="(Volk TJ, 2000)"/><ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/><ref name="(Davey Tree)"/><ref name="(MO DOC)">Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.) ''Dead Man’s Fingers.''[https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dead-mans-fingers]</ref> When young, the fungus is a pale white, gray, or blue with white caps that often resemble finger nails, as seen in Figure 1.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> As it matures, the fingers turn charcoal black and their smooth “skin” takes on the appearance of charcoal.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> If broken open, the interior of the fingers is white and tough.<ref name="(Joy & Hudelson, 2012)"/> These fungi are active June through October but can found throughout the year.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> These fungi are '''not edible'''.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/> Its spore print is dark brown to black, and when magnified, the spores appear as narrow and spindle-shaped, flat on one side.<ref name="(MO DOC)"/>

	==Ecosystem Role==		==Ecosystem Role==