Background:

In Mexico, 12 species of Xylaria are known on fruits and seeds, X. liquidambaris grows on fruits of Liquidambar styraciflua. So far, their growth habit (endophytic, saprophytic, or parasitic) has not been characterized.

Objective:

To determine the growth habit of X. liquidambaris, in order to expand information on its ecology, habitat and cultivation, in order to build a discussion on its conservation.

Methods:

Fruits of L. styraciflua were collected during the dry season in the ANP La Martinica, Banderilla, Veracruz. Fruits were classified into categories according to their ripening stage. Portions of the fruits were processed to recover endophytic fungi, in solid and liquid media, with and without extracts of crushed liquid amber fruits.

Results and conclusions:

The endophytic habit of X. liquidambaris, the only species recovered in the experimental process, was corroborated. Mycelium from fruits required 60 days to form stromata and mycelium grown on solid and liquid media required 90 days. These results provide elements to build a discussion that will contribute to a better evaluation of its ecology and conservation status. The route of infection of the fruits needs to be studied in detail.

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