Hypoxylon asarcodes

Hypoxylon asarcodes is a species of fungus in the family Hypoxylaceae. It is commonly known as the Cinnamon Bolete due to its cinnamon-brown color. This species is found in North America and Europe, where it grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly oak and beech.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1801. The genus name Hypoxylon means "under wood", referring to the fungus's habit of growing on wood, while the species name asarcodes is derived from the Greek words for "flesh" and "resembling", referring to the flesh-like texture of the fruit bodies.

Description

The fruit bodies of Hypoxylon asarcodes are perithecial, meaning they have a flask-like shape with a small opening at the top for the release of spores. They are typically 1–3 cm in diameter and have a smooth, cinnamon-brown surface. The interior flesh is white and has a firm texture.

The spores are ellipsoid in shape and measure 7–10 by 3–4 micrometers. They are produced in structures called asci, which are typical of fungi in the Ascomycota phylum.

Habitat and distribution

Hypoxylon asarcodes is a saprophytic fungus, meaning it obtains its nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter. It is commonly found on dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly oak and beech. The fungus is known to occur in North America and Europe.

See also

• List of Hypoxylon species
• Mycology