Xylaceae

Xylaceae is not a currently recognized name for a formal plant or fungal family in modern taxonomy. The term can appear as a misspelling or historical usage for Xylariaceae, a well-established family of fungi in the order Xylariales within the Ascomycota. When encountered, it most often points to that group rather than a distinct, accepted taxon.

Xylariaceae comprises lignicolous fungi, typically living on or inside decaying wood. Members produce dark, tough fruiting bodies called ascomata, often embedded in or emerging from stromata. The inner tissue contains asci that bear ascospores, usually released after maturation of the perithecia. The appearance of Xylariaceae fruiting bodies is highly characteristic, with many species forming carbonaceous, black or brown structures. The family includes several well-known genera, notably Xylaria, Hypoxylon and Daldinia, with species that range from the striking “dead man’s fingers” to crust-like or cushion-like forms.

Ecologically, Xylariaceae are important decomposers in forests, contributing to the breakdown of wood and nutrient cycling. They occur worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions, and many species are saprotrophs; some can exist as endophytes in living plants or as occasional pathogens. They are also of interest for their chemical diversity, producing secondary metabolites studied for potential biological activities.

In summary, while Xylaceae is not recognized as a current taxon, Xylariaceae is a major group of wood-decay fungi with distinctive dark fruiting bodies and significant ecological and biochemical interest.