Description:
Xylaria polymorpha, commonly called Dead Man's Fingers, appears throughout the year at the base of beechwood stumps and occasionally on other buried hardwoods. Dead Man's Fingers is a very apt name for this morbid-looking species, which usually arises in tufts of three to six fingers, which are usually bent and give the impression of arthritic black knuckles. The surface is slightly granulated. The inside of the fruit body's flesh is white; it is also quite hard.
Habitat:
On or near to the stumps of dead beech trees and, less frequently, other broad-leaf tree stumps.
Additional Notes:
very young specimen shown in 2nd image
