"Dead man's fingers" on decaying wood are far more dangerous than they appear: insights from scientists (photos).

The Earth is home to billions of different species of animals, birds, and plants. Some of these are well-studied by scientists, while others continue to captivate the public and researchers alike. For instance, the eerie species of fungus known as dead man's fingers (Xylaria polymorpha) is described by Science Focus.

Those who have encountered this fungus in the woods often claim it resembles a rotten hand protruding from the ground or deformed, twisted fingers. Researchers note that although dead man's fingers may indeed appear to be part of a deceased individual’s hand, they are, in fact, a type of fungus.

It is known that fungi do not consume food like animals nor can they produce it like plants and algae. Instead, they secrete enzymes that break down nearby organic matter, releasing nutrients that the fungi can then absorb.

Given the fungus's gruesome appearance, one might assume it feeds on dead bodies, but this is not the case — dead man's fingers decompose dead wood. Researchers indicate that it can be found sprouting from the decaying bases of broadleaf trees, such as beech and oak. Hence, the first part of its Latin name, "xylaria," means "growing on wood." The second part of its Latin name, "polymorpha," translates to "many forms," reflecting the fact that this fungus changes its appearance over time.

Observations have shown that in spring, when the fungus first appears, it sprouts in clusters of 3-6 "fingers" that are pale gray or dark gray with a light "nail" on top. However, by winter, the fungus begins to mature, causing each finger to reach a height of about 10 centimeters and turn dark brown or blue-black.

Due to its appearance, the fungus is often described as rotten fingers or a piece of charred wood. Fungi are immobile, so they spread by producing spores and dispersing them from their fruiting bodies, which are the parts of the fungus visible above ground. In this case, the fingers serve as the fruiting body.

Like most other fungi, "dead man's fingers" reproduce in two ways: asexually and sexually. Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical copies of the fungus and occurs in spring when the fungi release spores known as conidia.

At the same time, sexual spores are known as ascospores and are released through an opening at the top of the fungus. When an ascospore from one parent fuses with an ascospore from another, a new, genetically distinct fungus is formed.

Researchers note that "dead man's fingers" are a delicacy for all invertebrates that feed on the soft, nutrient-rich detritus created by the fungus. However, a 2018 study revealed that this eerie fungus also contains toxins similar to those found in the infamous death cap mushroom. In simple terms, consuming "dead man's fingers" can be deadly for humans.