Synonyms: Cordyceps poitei, Sphaeria poitei, Xylaria poitaeana, Xylaria poitei.
Xylosphaera poitei is a species of fungus in the class Ascomycota, characterized by its stromata with perithecia and ascospores. In East and Central Texas, it has been found on dead branches and trunks of trees, particularly oak and elm, often in riparian zones and wooded areas. The fungus produces black, carbonaceous stromata that can be up to 10 cm in diameter, with numerous perithecia embedded within. Ascospores are dark brown, ellipsoid, and measure 12-15 μm in length. Collections have been made in counties including Brazos, Burleson, and Travis, typically during the spring and fall months when rainfall is more frequent.
Large mushrooms Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 21, 2018
Dissected mushrooms Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 21, 2018
Anamorph of Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) mushrooms with powder of conidiospores on a stump in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 31, 2018
Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) anamorph mushrooms on a rotten stump in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 31, 2018
Close up of anamorph of Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) mushrooms in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 31, 2018
Mature mushroom Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 16, 2018
Close up of a mature mushroom Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 16, 2018
Mushrooms Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 16, 2018
Xylaria poitei (Xylosphaera poitei) (anamorph) mushrooms in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 25, 2018Observations of the fungus Xylosphaera poitei in East and Central Texas reveal its presence on fallen oaks and rotten stumps in Lick Creek Park, College Station. The fungus was found in various stages, including large mature mushrooms and anamorphs with conidiospores. In May 2018, dissected mushrooms were observed on a fallen oak, while anamorphs with powder-like conidiospores were seen on a stump. Similar observations were made in June 2018, with close-ups of mature mushrooms showing detailed features. The fungus was also present in September 2018, with anamorphs still visible. These observations suggest that Xylosphaera poitei is active in the region during the spring and summer months, and possibly into early fall. The fungus appears to thrive on decaying wood, particularly oak, in the park's environment.
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