Charcoal Eyelash
ExploreFungi
Charcoal Eyelash
anthracobia melaloma
The Charcoal Eyelash (Anthracobia melaloma) is a fascinating pyrophilous (fire-loving) cup fungus that plays a vital role in forest recovery. Appearing as tiny, vibrant orange discs, this resilient species is one of the first colonizers of freshly charred soil and bonfire sites. It thrives in the harsh, ash-rich environment left behind by forest fires, where other organisms struggle to survive. By feeding on burnt organic matter, this fungus initiates the decomposition process and helps prepare the sterile post-fire ground for the return of plant life. Its ability to quickly populate desolate, carbon-rich landscapes makes it a remarkable symbol of ecological renewal. Can you find a Charcoal Eyelash? Log it and verify its identity with the Snappit app.
Habitat: Found primarily on burnt ground, charcoal remnants, and bonfire sites in both forested and open areas.
Appearance
This fungus forms tiny, cup-shaped or flat disc-like structures measuring only 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. They are bright orange, orange-yellow, or brownish-orange in color. The defining feature is the margin of the disc, which is lined with short, dark brown or blackish hairs that resemble tiny eyelashes. These small cups typically grow crowded together in dense, eye-catching clusters directly on blackened charcoal and ash.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassPezizomycetesOrderPezizalesFamilyPyronemataceaeGenusAnthracobia
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The spores of this fungus actually germinate much better after being exposed to extreme heat or fire-related chemicals.
The tiny dark hairs on the edges of the cups look so much like eyelashes that they inspired the common name 'Charcoal Eyelash'.
They help prevent soil erosion after forest fires by binding the loose ash and soil with their microscopic network of root-like mycelium.
Special abilities
Ability
Pyrophilic Colonization
Thrives exclusively on recently burned soil and charcoal, utilizing post-fire nutrients that are hostile to most other fungal species.
Ability
Eyelash Barrier
The dark, protective hairs lining its cup margins help retain moisture and protect the delicate spore-producing surface from dry air.
Ability
Active Spore Discharge
Utilizes pressurized microscopic sacs to actively shoot spores into the wind, ensuring rapid colonization of distant burn sites.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 0 cm
Diet & Feeding
As a saprotrophic fungus, it decomposes organic matter in charred soils, extracting nutrients from carbonized plant remains.
Primary Foods
- Charred wood
- Ash-rich organic matter
- Decaying forest debris
Ecological connections
mutualism
Bonfire Moss
Funaria hygrometrica
Frequently shares post-fire ground, helping to stabilize the ash-rich soil and retain moisture.
eaten by
Common Springtail
Hypogastrura viatica
Feeds on the spores and delicate mycelial threads of the fungus in burnt environments.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Charcoal Eyelash?
The easiest way to identify Charcoal Eyelash is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Charcoal Eyelash?
0 cm
What does Charcoal Eyelash eat?
As a saprotrophic fungus, it decomposes organic matter in charred soils, extracting nutrients from carbonized plant remains.
Where is Charcoal Eyelash usually found?
Found primarily on burnt ground, charcoal remnants, and bonfire sites in both forested and open areas.
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