Xylaria zealandica

Detailed description

The stromata are 4 cm high x 2–3 mm broad, cylindrical, cylindrical-clavate to conical, usually with a short acute umbo extending beyond the fertile portion. An abruptly narrowed stipe makes up to one-half of the total length. Mature stromata are dull blackish-brown to blackish. The ascospores are (22–)23–28(–31) x (7.5–)8–9 µm and brown. In side view they are more or less equilateral, or inequilateral, flattened on one side, not curved. In face view they are elliptic. The ends are broadly rounded, or narrowly rounded. The spores are one-celled or with an inconspicuous cellular appendage (primary appendage) on one end. There is a straight to undulate germ slit on the flattened side of the spore. It is parallel to the long axis and slightly less than the spore length.