CANDLESNUFF 01A - Xylaria hypoxylon

Candlesnuff fungus - Xylaria hypoxylon.
Growing on a fallen beech twig on a mossy woodland floor. The tall black spike is the sexual state of candlesnuff fungus when it produces spores. The black surface is covered with tiny conical spots called 'flasks' which are embedded in the white interior flesh. The black spores are ejected by force through the tiny openings in these conical flasks.