Candlesnuff fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon)

The candlesnuff fungus is a common species of fungus that can be found in woodland areas all year round. Also known as the Stag’s Horn, it grows in groups on dead and rotting wood, and has a stick-like body with a black base and a white tip. Usually, their stems reach heights of between 1-6cm, and can become ‘forked,’ branching out to look like an antler. Fungi are not technically plants, as they get their nutrients and energy from organic matter, rather than via photosynthesis.