Common names: Magnolia-cone Xylaria, Cone Flickers.
AI-generated description
Xylaria magnoliae is a species of fungus in the family Xylariaceae, characterized by its elongated, club-shaped stromata with white to light brown flesh and black to dark brown exterior. In East and Central Texas, it typically grows on decaying wood, particularly on magnolia logs, stumps, and roots, from spring to fall. The fungus produces perithecia that are fully or partially immersed in the stromatal tissue, containing cylindrical asci with unicellular, ellipsoidal ascospores. It is commonly found in wooded areas, including floodplains and slopes, where magnolia trees are prevalent.
Mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae on a magnolia cone in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 8, 2018
Magnolia cones with Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 8, 2018
Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms under old magnolia trees in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 8, 2018
Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms on a magnolia cone in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 8, 2018
Masses of Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms on a magnolia cones in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, July 8, 2018
Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms on a magnolia cone in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, April 20, 2019
Close up of Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms on a magnolia cone in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, April 20, 2019
Mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae on a magnolia cone on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, April 7, 2020
Fungus Xylaria magnoliae on a magnolia cone on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, April 7, 2020
Close-up of mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae on a magnolia cone on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, April 7, 2020
Mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae growing from a magnolia cone on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, April 7, 2020
Mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae on a magnolia cone on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 23, 2020
Magnolia cones with mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 23, 2020
Magnolia cones with Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, April 25, 2020
Magnolia cone mushrooms Xylaria magnoliae in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, April 25, 2020
Masses of Xylaria magnoliae mushrooms on a magnolia cones in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, April 25, 2020
Magnolia-cone mushrooms Xylaria (Xylaria magnoliae) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, May 30, 2020
Masses of magnolia-cone mushrooms Xylaria (Xylaria magnoliae) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, May 30, 2020
Magnolia-cone Xylaria mushrooms (Xylaria magnoliae) in Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary near Cleveland. Texas, June 26, 2021
Conidia of fungus magnolia-cone Xylaria (Xylaria magnoliae) collected in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, July 17, 2022 Spore size 4.4 - 4.9 × 1.52 - 2 µm, length to width ratio Q = 2.4 - 2.9.
Magnolia-cone Xylaria fungus (Xylaria magnoliae) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, April 30, 2023
Conidia of magnolia-cone Xylaria fungus (Xylaria magnoliae) collected in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest a day before. Texas, May 1, 2023
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of the fungus Xylaria magnoliae were made in East and Central Texas, specifically in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Sam Houston National Forest, and Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary. The fungus was found growing on magnolia cones, often in large masses, under old magnolia trees. Observations were recorded over several years, from 2018 to 2023, during the spring and summer months. The fungus was consistently associated with magnolia cones, suggesting a specific host relationship. Close-up photographs revealed detailed images of the mushrooms and conidia, providing further insight into the morphology of Xylaria magnoliae. Multiple locations within Sam Houston National Forest, including Big Creek Scenic Area and Caney Creek Trail, were found to support growth of the fungus, indicating its widespread presence in the region.